Description
These Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal featuring savory ground beef cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauces, served crisp and fresh in tender butter lettuce leaves. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, they offer a perfect balance of textures and a delicious Asian-inspired taste in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, approximately 3 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Sauces: Stir in shredded carrots, diced water chestnuts (if using), soy sauce, hoisin sauce, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Mixture: Continue cooking the mixture for another 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and all flavors are well combined.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat to stop cooking.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into individual lettuce leaves, creating handheld wraps.
- Garnish: Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the wrapped beef for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the beef lettuce wraps immediately while warm as a fresh, tasty meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Water chestnuts add a pleasing crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use butter lettuce for the most tender wrap experience, but iceberg lettuce works fine as a substitute.
- Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce amounts based on your preferred saltiness and sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the beef mixture during cooking.
- These wraps are best enjoyed fresh and should be served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp.
