Name: Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup (brown sugar, or coconut sugar); ¼ cup coconut aminos (tamari, or soy sauce); 2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a crave-worthy, satisfying yet light weeknight dinner, these Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are about to become your new go-to. Sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy, they combine flavorful ground beef with crisp veggies, all tucked into cool, crunchy lettuce leaves for the perfect bite. These wraps are seriously fun to make and even more delightful to eat — you’ll want to reach for just one more, every single time!

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about these Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps is how each simple ingredient pulls its weight, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. Bold sauces, fresh aromatics, and crunchy vegetables come together for a dish that’s way more than the sum of its parts! Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why.

Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the umami and spice; brown sugar or coconut sugar also work beautifully here.
Coconut Aminos: Layers in that essential salty-sweet, deep flavor; tamari or soy sauce can step in if that’s what you have handy.
Rice Vinegar: Gives just the right amount of tang to brighten up the beef mixture.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings in nutty, toasty richness that makes this dish impossible to resist.
Red Pepper Flakes: Use these if you love a little gentle heat; totally optional if you prefer a milder wrap.
Arrowroot Powder: Helps thicken up the sauce for that perfect glossy finish; cornstarch does the job too.
Olive Oil: Sets the foundation for cooking the beef, lending flavor and golden hues.
Ground Beef: The star protein, hearty and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced for punchy, aromatic depth in every bite.
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds zing and brightness to cut through the richness.
Red Bell Pepper: Finely diced for juicy crunch and a pop of color.
Shredded Carrots: Lends sweetness, texture, and an inviting golden hue.
Green Onions: Sliced for gentle sharpness and lovely green flecks.
Kosher Salt: Season to taste and enhance the natural flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle for a bit of nutty crunch and picture-perfect garnish.
Boston Bibb Lettuce: Soft, sturdy leaves that are just perfect for wrapping.
Steamed White Rice or Sauteed Cauliflower Rice: Optional base for a more filling meal or great for soaking up every drop of the tasty sauce.

How to Make Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by grabbing a liquid measuring cup to mix together your sauce. Combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Give it a good whisk so the flavors marry, then sprinkle in the arrowroot powder and whisk again until smooth. This glossy sauce is the key to those deep, delicious notes running through every single wrap!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown until there’s no pink left, which should only take about 5 minutes. The sizzle and aroma here are mouthwatering — you know good things are happening already.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, constantly stirring to avoid burning. You’ll notice a fragrant burst that promises layers of flavor down the line—this quick step makes a huge difference, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Add Veggies

Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots straight into the skillet. Sauté everything together until the veggies are just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This keeps them bright and crisp, lending those lovely bits of color and snap inside every bite of your Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Time for that glorious sauce! Pour it over the beef and veggie mix, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and deeply clings to every morsel. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed — this is where the flavors really come together.

Step 6: Stir in Green Onions

Now toss in your sliced green onions and give a final quick stir. The green onions soften ever so slightly, staying vibrant and crisp but adding gentle onion flavor and color that make the whole dish pop.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon generous portions of the beef filling into each lettuce leaf. If you want a heartier meal, add a small scoop of rice underneath. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that finishing touch and get ready to savor the magic!

How to Serve Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Garnishing these wraps is not just about looks — it’s about adding another layer of flavor and texture! Give each wrap a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds, a few extra slices of green onion, or even a subtle drizzle of sriracha if you’re feeling bold. For even more freshness, a handful of chopped cilantro or mint is lovely, too.

Side Dishes

You can easily turn these Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps into a full meal by pairing with sides like steamed jasmine rice, cauli rice for a low-carb option, or even a bright Asian slaw. I also love adding quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple miso soup to round things out and keep the meal light yet totally satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just have a little dinnertime fun? Try setting up a DIY lettuce wrap bar, where everyone can build their own wraps just the way they like. Use a big platter for the lettuce and fillings, and add bowls of extra garnishes, sauces, and side toppings. It makes the experience feel festive and interactive — perfect for dinner parties or family night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover filling, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the lettuce and garnishes separate so they stay crisp and fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

The beef and veggie filling freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you need a quick, flavor-packed meal in a hurry.

Reheating

When you’re ready to revisit your Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps, gently reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If the sauce seems extra thick, just add a splash of water or a bit more coconut aminos to loosen it up. Assemble your wraps just before serving for crisp, bright results.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken make excellent, lighter alternatives in Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. Just be sure to season them well and maybe add a splash of extra sesame oil for richness.

What’s the best lettuce to use for wraps?

Boston Bibb lettuce is my top pick for its tender texture and cup-like leaves, but butter lettuce or even little gem lettuce also works great for sturdy, scoopable wraps.

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce just before serving to keep everything crisp and delicious!

Are these wraps gluten-free?

They sure can be! Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that all your sauces are gluten-free if serving to anyone with a sensitivity.

How can I make these wraps vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for finely chopped mushrooms and crumbled tofu, then follow the recipe as written. The flavors work so well with veggie proteins!

Final Thoughts

You just can’t go wrong with Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps — they hit all the right notes: quick, packed with flavor, and so fun to eat. Give them a try for your next dinner and watch how quickly the plate clears. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make this dish part of your top rotation!

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8–12 wraps 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious Asian-inspired ground beef lettuce wraps that are savory, sweet, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

Instructions

Make the sauce. Combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a measuring cup. Whisk until combined. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until well combined.
Heat olive oil in a 10” skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wood spoon to break up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring continuously, until very fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
Add the bell pepper and carrots and cook until bite tender, 3-4 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the skillet contents, then stir. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
Stir in the sliced green onions.
Spoon the filling into lettuce wraps (with or without rice) and garnish with sesame seeds. Makes 8 wraps without rice, or 12 wraps with rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian