Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then served in crisp lettuce cups. These wraps are easy to prepare, packed with umami-rich flavors, and perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
Healthy, low-carb, and packed with protein
Versatile and customizable with different toppings and sauces
Great for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing appetizer
A delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ground Beef Filling:

Ground beef (80/20 or lean)
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Hoisin sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Brown sugar or honey
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Green onions, chopped

For Serving:

Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves
Shredded carrots
Chopped peanuts or cashews
Sesame seeds
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
Lime wedges

Directions

Cook the Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics and Sauce:
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in chopped green onions and remove from heat.
Assemble the Wraps:
- Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra freshness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or mushrooms instead of beef.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Crunchy Texture: Add water chestnuts or chopped bell peppers for extra crunch.
Sauce Boost: Serve with peanut sauce or a spicy mayo drizzle for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving.

What type of lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce and romaine are ideal, but iceberg lettuce also works for a crunchier texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp can be used instead of beef.

How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?

Make sure the beef mixture has slightly thickened and is not too watery before serving.

Can I add rice or noodles?

Yes, adding cooked rice or vermicelli noodles can make these wraps more filling.

How do I make these wraps keto-friendly?

Use a sugar substitute instead of brown sugar and ensure all sauces are low-carb.

Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, bottled teriyaki or stir-fry sauces can be used as a shortcut.

How do I make this dish nut-free?

Simply omit the peanuts and use sesame seeds or crispy shallots for texture instead.

What side dishes pair well with these wraps?

They go well with miso soup, cucumber salad, or a light Asian slaw.

Conclusion

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether served as a light main dish or an appetizer, they are easy to make and packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Enjoy them fresh and customize with your favorite toppings for the perfect bite!