Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Fresh, flavorful, and fast—Asian-style ground beef lettuce wraps are the weeknight dinner dream you didn’t know you needed. With tender savory beef, crisp veggies, and crunchy peanuts all bundled in cool lettuce leaves, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, it checks every box.

The real magic is in the sauce: a blend of soy, garlic, ginger, and hoisin that coats each bite in umami-rich goodness. Paired with quick-cooked ground beef and spooned into butter lettuce cups, the result is a low-carb yet utterly satisfying meal that feels like takeout, but better.

Why You’ll Love This Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights, meal preps, or when you want something that tastes indulgent but is secretly healthy. It’s loaded with protein, packed with flavor, and totally customizable. It also scales up beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd or planning a casual dinner party. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Lettuce Should I Use for Wraps?

Butter lettuce is your best bet for these wraps. Its tender leaves and cup-like shape make it ideal for holding the beef filling without tearing. If you can’t find butter lettuce, romaine hearts or even cabbage leaves work well, offering a slightly crunchier bite.

Ingredients for the Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to flavor-packed simplicity, this recipe is hard to beat. Each ingredient brings a specific role to the table, balancing sweet, savory, and fresh elements.

• Ground beef
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Green onions
• Carrots
• Water chestnuts
• Butter lettuce
• Crushed peanuts
• Chili garlic sauce (optional)

The beef provides the hearty base, while garlic and ginger offer aromatic depth. Hoisin and soy sauce create that sticky-savory glaze, balanced by rice vinegar’s tang. Sesame oil adds nuttiness, green onions and carrots give freshness and crunch, and crushed peanuts bring texture. Butter lettuce makes the perfect wrap, and chili garlic sauce is great if you want a spicy kick.

How To Make the Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat a bit of sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, draining any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Sauce

Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the beef soaks up all the delicious sauce.

Step 4: Toss in the Veggies

Add shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon the warm beef mixture into butter lettuce leaves. Top with crushed peanuts and, if desired, a drizzle of chili garlic sauce for some heat.

How to Serve and Store Your Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps are best served fresh while the beef is warm and juicy, and the lettuce is crisp. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and serve the beef mixture in a bowl with toppings on the side so everyone can build their own wraps.

Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Store the lettuce and toppings separately to keep them fresh. This recipe comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people.

What to Serve With Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Soft and fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up extra sauce and can make the wraps more filling.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

A hearty side that adds even more protein and texture to your plate. Try our easy chicken fried rice recipe.

Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar

Light, refreshing, and quick to prepare—this salad balances the richness of the beef.

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

If you’re feeding a crowd with mixed cravings, this pasta dish is a creamy complement.

Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls

Add crunch and variety with these crispy egg rolls as an appetizer.

Pickled Vegetables

A small bowl of pickled radishes or carrots will offer a sharp contrast that enhances the meal.

Thai Curry Chicken Soup

Pair your wraps with a light soup like our Thai curry chicken noodle soup to complete the meal.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you love these Asian-style lettuce wraps, you might also enjoy some of our favorite ground beef creations:

• Dirty Rice with Ground Beef for bold southern flavors.
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a one-pan, veggie-packed dinner.
• Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet for a low-carb option.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you’re craving something cheesy and indulgent.
• Beefy Cheesy Fries Burrito for an over-the-top flavor explosion.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal.

And if you try these lettuce wraps, leave a comment and let me know how it went. Did you go spicy? Did you swap the beef for turkey? I’m all ears!

Explore more fresh, vibrant recipes over on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your new favorite go-to dinner!

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