These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful fusion of savory flavors and fresh textures, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. The tender ground beef is sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, complemented by crunchy bell peppers and carrots. A savory sesame-ginger sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that's both satisfying and low-carb. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer, these wraps are versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Enjoy them on their own or with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
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 and 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:
Prepare the Sauce:
In a measuring cup, whisk together maple syrup, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add arrowroot powder or cornstarch and whisk until well combined.
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add Aromatics:
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Incorporate Vegetables:
Add diced bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Combine with Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the Wraps:
Spoon the beef mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately, optionally with steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 wraps):
Calories: 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