Looking for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy? These Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution! Made with lean ground beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and a savory homemade sauce, this dish is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein dinner. These wraps are served in crisp lettuce leaves, making them a great alternative to traditional tortillas. Whether you’re following a low-carb, gluten-free, or keto diet, these wraps are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, minced
- 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
To Serve:
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Crushed peanuts
- Butter lettuce, bib lettuce, or iceberg lettuce
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium frying pan. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced water chestnuts and the prepared sauce. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
- Serve the beef mixture in lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, bib lettuce, or iceberg lettuce). Top with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, savory, and nutty sauce with a crunchy texture from water chestnuts and peanuts.
- Low-carb and Healthy: Serve in crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a fresh, lighter option.
- Customizable: Can be adjusted to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- No water chestnuts? Use finely diced carrots or zucchini for added texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving in lettuce wraps.
- Can I use a different type of lettuce? Yes, iceberg lettuce, bibb lettuce, or even Romaine lettuce works well for wraps.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these beef lettuce wraps as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or crispy fried rice for a more complete meal.
Suggestions
- Make it a meal prep-friendly dish: The beef mixture can be cooked and stored separately from the lettuce wraps. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat!
- Top with fresh herbs: Add cilantro or mint to give the wraps a fresh burst of flavor.
Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
6
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, minced
8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and minced
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
2 garlic cloves, grated
½ teaspoon ground ginger
To Serve:
Green onions, thinly sliced
Crushed peanuts
Butter lettuce, bib lettuce, or iceberg lettuce
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium frying pan. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced water chestnuts and the prepared sauce. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
- Serve the beef mixture in lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, bib lettuce, or iceberg lettuce). Top with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.
Leave a Reply