Asian-style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that still delivers on flavor, these Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps are perfect. They’re filled with a savory, slightly sweet beef mixture that’s balanced with crunchy veggies and wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s the kind of dish that’s endlessly customizable, fast to make, and ideal for a busy weeknight. Plus, there’s something fun about eating with your hands, right?
I first tried lettuce wraps at a bustling Asian-fusion restaurant, and I was immediately hooked. The juicy meat, the crunch of fresh lettuce, and the burst of flavor in every bite felt like a mini adventure. Now, this version has become a go-to at home. It’s a great way to get the family to eat more veggies, and I love that you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
A bit of background: Asian lettuce wraps, reinvented
While lettuce wraps have been popularized by restaurants like P.F. Chang’s, they’re actually inspired by Asian street food. Traditionally, dishes like Korean ssam (lettuce wraps with grilled meat) or Chinese san choy bao (often made with minced pork) were wrapped in fresh greens to add a contrast to rich, savory fillings. Over time, creative cooks have experimented with different meats, sauces, and spices, so today there are countless variations on this humble yet delicious concept.
For this recipe, we’re using ground beef for a heartier twist, mixed with flavors like ginger, garlic, and coconut aminos for an Asian-inspired profile that’s both comforting and bold.
Key ingredients in these lettuce wraps
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these wraps so delicious, and why each ingredient is essential (or easily replaceable if you’re in a pinch).
- Ground beef: The star of the filling! Ground beef is hearty, flavorful, and cooks quickly. If you prefer a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey would work well here too. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as leaner meats cook faster.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Coconut aminos add a slightly sweet, milder salty flavor compared to soy sauce, making it perfect if you’re aiming for gluten-free. Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) will add a deeper, saltier punch if that’s what you’re after.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: This touch of sweetness balances the saltiness and umami of the soy sauce, creating a well-rounded sauce. I love using maple syrup for its natural sweetness, but brown sugar or coconut sugar works just as well.
- Ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring the classic, aromatic flavors that are essential in Asian-inspired dishes. If you’re out of fresh ginger, a ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger can be substituted, but fresh really makes a difference.
- Red bell pepper and carrots: These add color, crunch, and a bit of sweetness. You could swap in any crunchy veggies you have on hand, like celery or shredded zucchini.
- Boston Bibb lettuce: The delicate, cup-like leaves of Bibb lettuce are perfect for wrapping. If you can’t find Bibb, try romaine hearts or even iceberg for a crispier texture.
Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you don’t)
- 10” skillet: A medium skillet is ideal for browning the beef and simmering everything together. If you don’t have one, any large frying pan will work—just be sure it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the beef as it cooks. If you don’t have one, a spatula or even a potato masher works too!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring helps ensure you get the right balance of flavors, especially for the sauce.
- Whisk: Handy for mixing the sauce thoroughly, especially when incorporating the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). If you don’t have one, just use a fork to blend the sauce until smooth.
Step-by-step: how to make Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps
Cooking this recipe is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to make it:
1. Make the sauce
Start by combining the maple syrup, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk everything together until smooth. Sprinkle in the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) to thicken the sauce. Whisk again until fully combined. Set it aside for later.
Pro tip: Arrowroot powder can get clumpy if it’s not mixed in well, so whisk thoroughly! You’ll see it give the sauce a slightly opaque appearance—that’s a good sign.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Use your wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. You want it in small crumbles, so it fills the lettuce wraps nicely. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Don’t rush the browning! Letting the beef develop a bit of crust adds extra flavor.
3. Add the aromatics
Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible right about now. Cook until you can smell the ginger and garlic clearly.
4. Add the veggies
Add the finely diced bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re just starting to soften. You want them tender-crisp for texture.
5. Pour in the sauce
Give the sauce one last stir, then pour it over the beef and veggies in the skillet. Stir to combine everything, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly, coating all the ingredients.
6. Season and add green onions
Taste the filling and season with a bit of salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the sliced green onions right before serving to keep them fresh and slightly crunchy.
7. Assemble and enjoy
Spoon the warm filling into individual lettuce leaves. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. If you want to make it a heartier meal, add a scoop of steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice to each wrap.
Variations and adaptations: endless possibilities
This recipe is easy to tweak based on your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge. Here are some fun options:
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the finished wraps.
- Low-carb option: Skip the rice and use extra lettuce leaves or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
- Swap the protein: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu if you prefer a meatless version. Tofu holds the sauce nicely and absorbs all the flavors.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, water chestnuts, or finely chopped zucchini would be delicious additions. They’ll add volume and texture.
- Herbal twist: Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to the wraps for a burst of freshness.
Each variation changes the flavor slightly, but they’re all delicious in their own way. Experiment and see what you like best!
Serving and presentation tips
Serve the wraps on a large platter with lettuce leaves arranged in a circle and the filling in the center, so everyone can assemble their own. Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for a bit of flair. If you’re including rice, serve it in a small bowl on the side so guests can add as much or as little as they like.
For a garnish, a few sprigs of cilantro or mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness. You can also set out extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime on the side for those who want an extra kick.
Drink pairings: what goes well with these wraps?
Lettuce wraps pair beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. Here are a few ideas:
- White wine: A crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweetness and saltiness of the wraps.
- Iced green tea: For a non-alcoholic option, the slight bitterness of green tea balances the rich flavors of the beef.
- Sparkling water with lime: Simple but refreshing, especially if you add a dash of ginger syrup for extra zing.
Storing and reheating leftovers
If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to rehydrate if needed. I recommend storing the lettuce separately so it stays crisp and fresh.
You can also freeze the filling for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Be sure to give it a good stir as it reheats to keep the flavors well-blended.
Adjusting for different serving sizes
This recipe makes about 8 wraps, but it’s easy to adjust for a crowd or a smaller group. For fewer wraps, you can halve the ingredients. For a larger group, double everything. Just note that you may need to cook the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make these lettuce wraps vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use coconut aminos or tamari for a vegan-friendly sauce.
Q: What lettuce works best for wraps?
A: Boston Bibb lettuce is ideal because it’s soft and forms nice cups, but romaine or iceberg can work too if you prefer a crunchier wrap.
Q: Can I make the filling in advance?
A: Absolutely. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently in a skillet before serving.
Q: Are lettuce wraps keto-friendly?
A: Yes! As long as you skip the rice and use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol instead of maple syrup, these wraps are low-carb.
Q: Can I use bottled stir-fry sauce instead?
A: Sure! If you’re short on time, a pre-made stir-fry sauce will work. Just adjust for sweetness and saltiness as needed.
Asian-style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps are quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a fun, hands-on dinner!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Lettuce Wrap Sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 teaspoon arrowroot powder, or cornstarch
Ground Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ c 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 sauteed cauliflower rice, optional, for serving
Instructions
1. Make the sauce
Start by combining the maple syrup, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk everything together until smooth. Sprinkle in the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) to thicken the sauce. Whisk again until fully combined. Set it aside for later.
Pro tip: Arrowroot powder can get clumpy if it’s not mixed in well, so whisk thoroughly! You’ll see it give the sauce a slightly opaque appearance—that’s a good sign.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Use your wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. You want it in small crumbles, so it fills the lettuce wraps nicely. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Don’t rush the browning! Letting the beef develop a bit of crust adds extra flavor.
3. Add the aromatics
Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible right about now. Cook until you can smell the ginger and garlic clearly.
4. Add the veggies
Add the finely diced bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re just starting to soften. You want them tender-crisp for texture.
5. Pour in the sauce
Give the sauce one last stir, then pour it over the beef and veggies in the skillet. Stir to combine everything, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly, coating all the ingredients.
6. Season and add green onions
Taste the filling and season with a bit of salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the sliced green onions right before serving to keep them fresh and slightly crunchy.
7. Assemble and enjoy
Spoon the warm filling into individual lettuce leaves. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. If you want to make it a heartier meal, add a scoop of steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice to each wrap.
Notes
Serving and presentation tips
Serve the wraps on a large platter with lettuce leaves arranged in a circle and the filling in the center, so everyone can assemble their own. Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for a bit of flair. If you’re including rice, serve it in a small bowl on the side so guests can add as much or as little as they like.
For a garnish, a few sprigs of cilantro or mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness. You can also set out extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime on the side for those who want an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner