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Lean ground beef lettuce wraps prepared on a clean white plate

Savory Lean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These savory lean ground beef lettuce wraps are a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. The flavorful beef mixture is nestled in crisp lettuce cups and can be topped with your favorite fresh ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
  • small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (check labels for gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for a kick)
  • 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts optional
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 head butter lettuce or living lettuce

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded carrots
  • chopped peanuts
  • fresh cilantro
  • lime wedges

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger. Wash and separate the lettuce leaves, then set them aside.

Cooking

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up and draining any excess fat.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha in a small bowl.
  • Pour the sauce over the beef and onion, stirring to coat; add water chestnuts if using. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.

Serving

  • Arrange the beef mixture, lettuce cups, and optional toppings on a platter for everyone to build their own wraps.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Sriracha. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or shredded cabbage for added crunch.