A Flavor-Packed, Low-Carb Dinner Ready in 25 Minutes
Looking for a light, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner? These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. Packed with ground beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy ginger-garlic sauce, they are not only delicious but also low-carb and easy to customize.
With crisp Boston Bibb lettuce holding a juicy filling, each bite delivers texture, flavor, and satisfaction. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings, these wraps are simple, quick, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes
- Low-Carb Option – Skip rice for a light meal
- Family-Friendly – Fun, handheld meal that’s easy to eat
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or add vegetables
- High-Protein – Ground beef provides 26g protein per serving
These wraps are versatile, healthy, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors without complicated prep or exotic ingredients.
Recipe Overview
- Author: Danielle Esposti
- Yield: 4 servings (8 wraps without rice, 12 with rice)
- Calories per Serving: 378 kcal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Lettuce Wrap Sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
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
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Whisk the mixture until combined, then add the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and whisk again until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Cook, stirring continuously, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Add Green Onions
Stir in sliced green onions just before serving to maintain their fresh crunch and color.
Step 6: Serve in Lettuce Wraps
Spoon the beef mixture into Boston Bibb lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Serve as-is for a low-carb meal, or add steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling option.
Tips for the Best Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce – Boston Bibb or butter lettuce works best for easy folding.
- Control sweetness – Adjust maple syrup or sugar to taste.
- Adjust spice – Increase red pepper flakes for heat or omit for mild wraps.
- Keep vegetables crisp – Cook bell peppers and carrots briefly for crunch.
- Meal prep option – Make the filling in advance and assemble just before serving.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, water chestnuts, or snap peas.
- Sauce Twist: Add hoisin sauce, sriracha, or lime juice for additional flavor layers.
- Rice Alternatives: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, without rice)
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 358mg
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 17g
- Potassium: 396mg
- Vitamin A: 140% DV
- Vitamin C: 53% DV
- Calcium: 29% DV
- Iron: 22% DV
Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps cooked in a tangy ginger garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that’s fun to eat and full of bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 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
- Ground Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves
- Steamed white rice or cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and arrowroot powder until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook about 5 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in bell pepper and carrots. Cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in green onions.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve with or without rice.
Notes
- Nutritional information does not include rice.
- Makes about 8 wraps without rice or 12 wraps with rice.
- Great for meal prep—store filling separately from lettuce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble into lettuce wraps just before serving to keep leaves crisp.
Q2: Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the cooked filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q3: What lettuce works best?
Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves are ideal—they are tender, flexible, and perfect for folding.
Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure the arrowroot or cornstarch you use is also gluten-free.
Q5: How many wraps does this recipe make?
Without rice, about 8 wraps; with rice, about 12 wraps.
Conclusion
These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that balances savory beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy ginger-garlic sauce. They’re low-carb, high-protein, and easy to customize, making them perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
With crisp lettuce, a rich and slightly sweet sauce, and optional rice for extra bulk, this dish combines flavor, texture, and convenience in every bite. Serve them to your family and watch them disappear—these wraps are sure to become a go-to favorite.
