Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Using ground beef makes these wraps hearty without being heavy, and they cook quickly, which is perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Serving Platter or Bowl
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine leaves separated and washed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots optional
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts optional, for crunch
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Wash and separate the lettuce leaves, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry leaves help prevent sogginess.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. I like to keep the garlic extra fine so it blends perfectly into the beef.
- Measure out your sauces (hoisin, soy, rice vinegar, sesame oil) and have them ready. It makes cooking smoother.
- Pro Tip: Keeping all ingredients prepped and within reach (mise en place) makes the cooking process fast and stress-free.
Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until it’s mostly browned.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper as it cooks.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—if the beef steams instead of browns, you’ll lose some of that rich, savory flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Mix everything together so the aromatics coat the beef evenly.
- Pro Tip: Watch the garlic carefully—it can burn quickly. Keep stirring for even cooking.
Add the Sauce
- Pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is fully coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Pro Tip: Simmer just long enough for the sauce to cling to the beef. Overcooking can make it a bit dry.
Assemble the Wraps
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each leaf, letting everyone build their own wraps.
- Top with shredded carrots, green onions, or chopped peanuts if you like extra crunch.
- Pro Tip: For cleaner wraps, use slightly smaller scoops of beef so the leaves hold together without spilling.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce is crisp.
- Pair with extra sauce on the side if you want a little more flavor in each bite.
- Encourage everyone to fold or roll the leaves for a fun, hands-on meal.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg