Description
Savory and flavorful beef lettuce wraps with a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. A quick, easy, and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, sriracha, sesame seeds, green onions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the bell pepper is slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Reserve some cilantro for garnish later.
- Gently separate the leaves of the butter lettuce head. Wash and dry them thoroughly.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce cups.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sriracha, sesame seeds, green onions, and extra cilantro, if desired.
- Serve the lettuce wraps immediately while the beef mixture is still warm and the lettuce is crisp.
Notes
- Spice it up! Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- Add more vegetables: Shredded carrots, mushrooms, or bean sprouts work well.
- Use different sauces: Experiment with oyster sauce, plum sauce, or black bean sauce.
- Make ahead: The beef mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad.
- Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Water chestnut alternatives: Substitute with jicama or bamboo shoots.
- Hoisin sauce substitute: Use a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Lettuce variations: Use romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes