Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps are packed with flavor and freshness. I use a savory-sweet sesame ginger sauce to coat tender ground beef, then load it into crisp lettuce cups alongside colorful veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s a fun, healthy, and mess-free meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I reach for this recipe whenever I want something fast, light, and bold. It satisfies cravings for something savory and a little sweet without being heavy. I also love that it can be tailored to different dietary needs—gluten-free, low-carb, paleo—it’s got everyone covered. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and looks gorgeous on the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce

• Soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos for gluten/soy-free options)
• Maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
• Toasted sesame oil
• Rice vinegar (or white vinegar if needed)
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger or ginger paste
• 1 bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or olive oil)

To Serve

• Boston Bibb lettuce (or romaine or iceberg), leaves separated
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Optional sides: steamed rice or cauliflower rice

Directions

I start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, vinegar, and a bit of cornstarch until smooth.

Next, I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, I stir in garlic and ginger and cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Then I add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and half of the green onions. I sauté everything until the vegetables soften slightly.

I pour in the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the beef. Once the filling is glossy and sticky, I remove it from the heat.

To serve, I spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions, and add a little rice on the side if I want something more filling.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Make it low carb: I skip the thickener and sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Paleo-friendly: I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and maple syrup for sweetness.
• Spicy version: I add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Veggie boost: I toss in chopped mushrooms or zucchini for more volume.
• Protein swap: This works beautifully with ground chicken or turkey.

Storage/Reheating

The beef filling keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, then spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves right before serving. The lettuce itself doesn’t store well once filled, so I always keep the filling and wraps separate until ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, I often switch out the beef for ground chicken or turkey depending on what I have. It still delivers plenty of flavor and works perfectly with the sauce.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

I prefer Boston Bibb or butter lettuce for their soft, cup-like shape. Romaine or iceberg works too, especially if I want extra crunch.

How do I make it gluten-free?

I use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and double-check that my thickener (like cornstarch) is certified gluten-free.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prep the beef filling a day ahead and just reheat it when I’m ready to assemble the wraps. It makes for super easy weeknight dinners or lunches.

Can I serve this with rice?

Yes, I sometimes pair it with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to make the meal more substantial. It’s a great way to stretch the dish if serving a crowd.

Conclusion

These Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps are one of my favorite healthy meals that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. They’re fast, flexible, and packed with umami from the ginger garlic sauce. Whether I’m serving them for a light dinner, quick lunch, or party appetizer, they always disappear fast.

Print

These quick lettuce wraps use seasoned ground beef and crunchy vegetables for a fast, family-friendly meal. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or light lunches.