Ingredients
Scale
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 to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish
For Serving:
- Boston Bibb lettuce
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Start by combining the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a measuring cup. Whisk it all together, then add the arrowroot powder to thicken. The arrowroot will give it a smooth, slightly glossy texture that clings to the beef and veggies.
- Brown the beef: Heat up your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Use your wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. You want the beef fully browned with no pink showing – this should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them around in the beef for a minute or two until they’re super fragrant. You’ll start to get that classic “Asian restaurant” smell – always a good sign!
- Cook the veggies: Next, add in the diced bell pepper and shredded carrots. Stir them around and cook until they’re just tender but still a bit crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This keeps some crunch in the wraps and adds great texture.
- Pour in the sauce: Give your sauce one more whisk, then pour it over the skillet contents. Stir well, coating everything. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions right before serving. They add a mild, fresh bite and a pop of color.
- Serve: Spoon the filling into lettuce leaves, top with sesame seeds, and add rice if you’re in the mood. And just like that, dinner is served!
Notes
If you have leftovers, store the beef filling separately from the lettuce to keep everything fresh. The filling will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tiny bit of water or coconut aminos to freshen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner