Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps deliver bold, savory-sweet flavor in a light, low-carb package. Featuring tender beef cooked in a ginger-garlic soy glaze and wrapped in crisp lettuce cups, this 25-minute recipe is perfect for busy nights or healthy meal prep. Every bite combines umami richness with refreshing crunch — a wholesome takeout-inspired dinner you’ll love.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Grated Fresh Ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup Shredded Carrots
- 4 Green Onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Sweetener (maple syrup, brown sugar, or low-carb substitute)
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari/Coconut Aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- ¼–½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder (thickener)
- Boston Bibb or Butter Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
- Steamed Rice or Cauliflower Rice (optional base)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetener, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Add the cornstarch or arrowroot powder and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Stir in sliced green onions. Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve over rice or cauliflower rice.