Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to various dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar

• ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, pork, or bison)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Ground pepper, to taste

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• Boston Bibb lettuce leaves (or romaine or iceberg lettuce)

• Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the arrowroot powder or cornstarch and whisk until well combined.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook, stirring continuously, until very fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Final Touches: Stir in the sliced green onions. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.

7. Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 2 wraps)

• Calories: Approximately 378 kcal

• Total Fat: 20 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6 g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 71 mg

• Sodium: 358 mg

• Protein: 26 g

• Total Carbohydrates: 23 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugars: 17 g

• Potassium: 396 mg

• Vitamin A: 140% DV

• Vitamin C: 53% DV

• Calcium: 29% DV

• Iron: 22% DV