Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for these lettuce wraps?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even bison are excellent substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning slightly as leaner meats may need more flavor.

Q2: What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Boston Bibb lettuce is ideal for its cup-like shape and tenderness. Romaine and iceberg lettuce also work well if you're looking for more crunch or budget-friendly options.

Q3: Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the filling up to 4 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Keep the lettuce separate and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.

Q4: How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder as a grain-free alternative. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to skip the thickener altogether. Simmering the sauce longer will also reduce it naturally.

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Name: Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds, to garnish; Boston Bibb lettuce (or romaine/iceberg); Optional: steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for serving; 1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar; 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Description

Quick and healthy Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps featuring a savory sesame-ginger garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and low-carb lettuce cups.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds, to garnish
Boston Bibb lettuce (or romaine/iceberg)
Optional: steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for serving
1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or substitute), maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and arrowroot powder or cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately. Optional: serve with rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

Notes

You can use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or bison instead of beef.
Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it for convenience.
Store lettuce and filling separately to keep wraps fresh when prepping ahead.
Use iceberg or romaine lettuce as a budget-friendly alternative to Bibb lettuce.
Arrowroot powder is a great grain-free alternative to cornstarch for thickening.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 wraps
Calories: 378 kcal
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 358mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 71mg