Imagine juicy, flavorful beef, infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, wrapped in crisp, fresh lettuce—each bite bursting with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami goodness. Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, making them an irresistible dinner option.
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These wraps are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep. They’re light yet satisfying, packed with protein, and easily customizable to your taste. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Packed with Flavor: A mouthwatering mix of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin.
Healthy & Low-Carb: Crisp lettuce keeps it fresh and light while letting the bold flavors shine.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add toppings to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves making their own wraps!
Ingredients
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish—rich, savory, and cooks quickly.
Garlic & Ginger: Aromatic and essential for bold Asian flavors.
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the beef.
Hoisin Sauce: A little sweet, a little tangy—balances the savory elements.
Sesame Oil: Enhances the dish with a warm, nutty finish.
Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild bite to the wraps.
Water Chestnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch.
Lettuce Leaves: The perfect crispy, refreshing wrap—use butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine.
Optional Toppings: Sriracha, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the Flavor: Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and water chestnuts. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Prepare the Lettuce: Rinse and pat dry lettuce leaves, keeping them whole for easy wrapping.
Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into each lettuce leaf, then sprinkle with green onions and any optional toppings.
Serve & Enjoy: Wrap, bite, and savor the deliciousness!
How to Serve Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps
With Rice or Noodles: Serve alongside jasmine rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried shallots or toasted sesame seeds.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, or extra hoisin sauce for dipping.
Family-Style: Let everyone build their own wraps at the table—fun and interactive!
Additional Tips
Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a different twist.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Make It Keto: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep it keto-friendly.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the beef mixture ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when ready!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A1: Yes! Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg all work well.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store the beef mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble wraps fresh when ready to eat.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Absolutely! Swap the beef for crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or lentils.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat the beef?
A4: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! This recipe scales easily and is great for feeding a crowd.
Q6: Is this dish gluten-free?
A6: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Q7: What can I serve with these wraps?
A7: Try them with Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or miso soup for a complete meal.
Q8: How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
A8: Keep lettuce chilled and dry it thoroughly before serving to prevent wilting.
Q9: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours for an easy, hands-off meal.
Q10: How do I make this more filling?
A10: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
Final Thoughts
These Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps are fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or a fun meal to share, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These healthy Asian ground beef lettuce wraps are a quick and flavorful dinner option! Lean ground beef is cooked with garlic, bell peppers, onions, and carrots, then tossed in a sweet and spicy soy sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a low-carb, high-protein meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Lettuce Wraps:
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1 lb ground beef (90/10)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
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1-2 carrots, julienned
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Butter lettuce (for serving)
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Sliced green onion (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
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1 tsp dark sesame oil
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1/4 tsp ground ginger
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
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Stir in garlic, onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Add the Sauce:
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Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and stir.
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Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
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Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
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Make it Spicier: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or extra red pepper flakes.
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter option.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wraps
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg