Name: Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar, or coconut sugar); ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari, or soy sauce); 2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced); ½ cup shredded carrots; 4 whole green onions (sliced into 1” pieces); Kosher salt (to taste); Ground black pepper (to taste); Boston Bibb lettuce leaves; Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and fresh meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with savory sauce and crisp veggies, they come together quickly and can be enjoyed with or without rice.

The image shows two lettuce cups on a white plate, each cup lined with bright green, soft lettuce leaves forming the base layer. Inside, the filling is made of finely chopped cooked meat mixed with small diced orange and green vegetables, creating a colorful, textured middle layer. The meat mixture is topped with a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds, adding contrast and a bit of texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, bright and clean, highlighting the fresh colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup maple syrup (brown sugar, or coconut sugar)
¼ cup coconut aminos (tamari, or soy sauce)
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
½ cup shredded carrots
4 whole green onions (sliced into 1” pieces)
Kosher salt (to taste)
Ground pepper (to taste)
Sesame seeds (to taste, for garnish)
Boston Bibb lettuce
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the sauce by combining maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a measuring cup. Whisk until smooth, then add the arrowroot powder and whisk until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking and stirring continuously until very fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots, cooking until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, around 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Stir in the sliced green onions and remove from heat.
Step 7: Spoon the filling into Boston Bibb lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with or without steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice. This recipe makes about 8 wraps without rice, or 12 with rice.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
Boston Bibb lettuce is ideal for wrapping, but butter lettuce or romaine leaves also work well.
Swap maple syrup for brown sugar or coconut sugar depending on preference or pantry staples.

Storage

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the filling gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before assembling the wraps.

How to Serve

The image shows three lettuce wraps arranged on a white plate, each wrap made from bright green lettuce leaves forming a soft cup shape. Inside the lettuce cups, there is a filling of small, crumbly cooked ground meat mixed with small orange carrot strips and diced red bell peppers, creating a mix of brown, orange, and red colors. The meat filling is sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds that add small specks of contrast on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and on the right side, part of a small round bowl filled with white sesame seeds is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving and assemble wraps fresh for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have coconut aminos?

You can substitute coconut aminos with tamari or soy sauce. Just keep in mind these alternatives are usually saltier, so adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.