Description
Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Tender ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce are wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps finely diced
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 8 ounces (1 can) water chestnuts, drained and finely diced
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 head butter lettuce, washed and separated
For the Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Optional Garnishes:
- ⅓ cup green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha, for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until mostly cooked through.
- Add Mushrooms and Onion:
- Stir in the diced shiitake mushrooms and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and blend with the beef.
- Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients:
- Add the diced water chestnuts, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to release the aromatic flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
- Spoon the beef mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for added spice.
- Serve:
- Arrange the lettuce wraps on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for the best flavor.
- Butter lettuce is ideal for wrapping, but romaine or iceberg can be used as alternatives.
- If your ground beef is fatty, drain excess grease before adding the vegetables.
- Prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time for faster assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian