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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lettuce wraps are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the lettuce and a rich, umami-packed filling. The ground beef is complemented by the sweetness of maple syrup and the depth of sesame oil, while the veggies add a nice texture. It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that can be served as a light dinner or an appetizer. Plus, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Lettuce Wrap Sauce:

1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

For the Ground Beef Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Boston Bibb lettuce
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional), for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a measuring cup, combine maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until combined. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until well incorporated. Set the sauce aside.
Heat olive oil in a 10” skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger, cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the bell pepper and carrots, cooking until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef mixture and stir. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Stir in the sliced green onions.
Spoon the filling into the lettuce wraps (with or without rice) and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add more veggies: You can easily add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients.
Spicy option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Swap the protein: For a different take, try ground turkey, chicken instead of beef.
Low-carb option: Serve the beef filling over sautéed cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Both options work well and will still give you a delicious, leaner version of this dish.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, you can use soy sauce or tamari if you prefer. Coconut aminos is a gluten-free alternative, but regular soy sauce will give a similar salty flavor.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before serving.

Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of Boston Bibb lettuce?

While Boston Bibb lettuce is ideal for wraps, you can substitute iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce if you prefer. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.

Can I add more sweetener to the sauce?

Yes, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar to suit your taste.

Can I make the lettuce wraps without rice?

Absolutely! These wraps are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with sautéed cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

What’s the best way to keep the wraps from getting soggy?

Serve the filling and sauce separately from the lettuce wraps until you’re ready to eat. This will keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that’s still packed with protein and flavor.

Can I freeze the ground beef filling?

Yes, the ground beef filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fun and healthy meal that’s full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to impress. The combination of savory beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and fresh veggies wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes this recipe a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition. Try it tonight for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare!