Name: Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar, or coconut sugar); ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari, or soy sauce); 2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced); ½ cup shredded carrots; 4 whole green onions (sliced into 1” pieces); Kosher salt (to taste); Ground pepper (to taste); Sesame seeds (to taste, for garnish); Boston Bibb lettuce leaves; Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore this Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe because it combines bold, savory flavors with a fresh, crisp crunch that feels light yet satisfying. When I make these wraps, I’m always excited about how the sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes come together in perfect harmony. It’s such a fun dish to prepare and share with friends or family, especially when you want something a little different but still simple and quick to whip up.

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

What I love most about this Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy rice vinegar and rich coconut aminos. The toasted sesame oil gives a warm nuttiness, while the fresh ginger and garlic punch up the savory depth. Putting it all together, every bite has layers of taste that keep me coming back for more.

Beyond flavor, the ease of making this dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It comes together in just about 25 minutes, and the steps are straightforward—perfect for anyone who’s short on time but big on delicious meals. I also find it incredibly versatile: whether I’m serving it at a casual dinner, a lively party, or just a cozy night in, it always feels special. Plus, the way it wraps up in crisp Boston Bibb lettuce makes it lighter than typical wraps, which is a winner for me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small orange carrot strips, chopped red bell peppers, and green onion pieces, all topped with white and black sesame seeds. A black spoon rests inside the bowl with some meat mixture scooped on the outside edge. In the background, there is a white plate holding fresh green lettuce leaves and a small black bowl filled with more white and black sesame seeds, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this recipe are simple but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the sweet maple syrup to the fresh crunchy vegetables, these components work together beautifully.

Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the salty and tangy flavors.
Coconut aminos: A savory, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce that deepens the umami flavor.
Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens up the dish.
Toasted sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma that infuses the beef.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a little heat adds a nice kick without overpowering.
Arrowroot powder: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish, can be swapped with cornstarch.
Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies to perfect tenderness.
Ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base of the filling.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible savory kick.
Fresh ginger: Grated to add zesty warmth and depth.
Red bell pepper: Finely diced to add sweetness and vibrant color.
Shredded carrots: Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch.
Green onions: Sliced to bring a mild oniony freshness.
Kosher salt and ground pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding a subtle crunch and lovely visual contrast.
Boston Bibb lettuce: Soft yet crisp leaves perfect for wrapping the filling.
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional): Great for serving if you want a more filling meal.

Directions

Step 1: Start by making the sauce. In a measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Whisk them together until smooth. Then add the arrowroot powder and whisk again until fully incorporated. This sauce will bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This is where your savory base starts coming to life.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can really smell those fragrant aromas filling your kitchen. This step is crucial because it infuses the beef with bold flavor.

Step 4: Next, toss in the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender but still maintain a bit of crunch. This adds a lovely texture contrast to the filling.

Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the skillet’s contents and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly, turning into a glossy, delicious coating for the beef and veggies. At this point, taste it and add kosher salt and ground pepper to adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 6: Stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of mild onion flavor and a dash of green color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Step 7: To serve, spoon the flavorful filling into crisp Boston Bibb lettuce leaves. You can add steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice for a heartier meal if you want. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch. Typically, this recipe makes about 8 wraps with just the filling or up to 12 if you include rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings, perfect for a small family dinner or meal prep for the week. The prep time is quick, around 10 minutes, mainly for chopping and mixing sauce ingredients. The cooking time is about 15 minutes, making the total time roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. No additional resting or cooling time is required, so you can dive right in once the wraps are assembled.

How to Serve This Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The image shows two lettuce wraps on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has three layers: a bright green, soft, and slightly crinkled lettuce leaf base, a middle layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of orange and red bell peppers and green herbs, and a top layer sprinkled with white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds for contrast. The lettuce leaves curve gently around the filling, creating a natural cup shape. To the upper left side, another plate with similar lettuce wraps is partly visible, and to the upper right, a small black bowl holds more white and black sesame seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these wraps fresh and warm right out of the pan because the savory aroma and tender filling paired with the crisp lettuce create such a delightful eating experience. One of my favorite accompaniments is a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up any extra sauce. For added freshness, a small bowl of pickled cucumber salad or even a quick shredded cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette brings a crisp, tangy counterbalance to the warm beef filling.

When it comes to presentation, I arrange the lettuce leaves in a shallow serving dish, spoon the beef mixture in a separate bowl, and provide plenty of garnishes like sesame seeds, extra green onions, and lime wedges so everyone can assemble their wraps exactly how they like. This makes it a hit at casual family dinners or even as a hands-on appetizer for parties. The wraps are naturally handheld and bite-sized, which feels festive and fun.

For drinks, I find a crisp white wine like a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the beef with its acidity. If you prefer cocktails, a refreshing ginger-lime mocktail or even iced green tea complements the flavors nicely. These wraps are warm when served but also delicious at room temperature, making them flexible for entertaining or casual meals.

Variations

One fun variation I enjoy is swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, I like to use crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms cooked with the same sauce. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, like brown sugar or coconut sugar, to tweak the sweetness to your preference.

To make this dish gluten-free, I replace coconut aminos with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep the umami rich and satisfying. If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat, adding more red pepper flakes or even a splash of Sriracha adds a fiery kick that livens up the filling. Alternatively, for a milder version, you can leave out the spice entirely.

I occasionally try cooking the filling in a wok, which allows me to quickly stir-fry everything over high heat, giving the vegetables a bit more bite and smokiness. Another idea is to try butter lettuce instead of Boston Bibb for an even softer wrap that melts in your mouth. The flexibility here really lets you make this Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe your own!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the cooked ground beef filling separately from the lettuce leaves to keep everything fresh. Use an airtight container and refrigerate the filling for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate ensures the lettuce stays crisp and the filling maintains its flavor and texture.

Freezing

This filling freezes really well if you want to meal prep ahead of time. Place the cooled beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, press out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Labeling your container helps track freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and avoid drying it out. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to stir occasionally for even warmth. Avoid reheating the lettuce leaves—they’re best fresh and crisp, so add them after warming the beef mixture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great in this recipe. They’re leaner options but still absorb the flavorful sauce wonderfully. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and juicy.

Is coconut aminos a good substitute for soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos is a fantastic soy sauce alternative that is slightly sweeter and lower in sodium. It helps keep the recipe gluten-free and adds a unique depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, tamari or regular soy sauce works fine too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms, and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly soy sauce or coconut aminos for the sauce as well.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice to your taste by adding more flakes for heat or omitting them entirely for a gentle flavor profile.

What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?

I recommend Boston Bibb lettuce for its soft, pliable leaves that hold the filling well without tearing. Butter lettuce and green leaf lettuce are also excellent alternatives that provide a similar crisp yet tender texture.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend making this Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with others. The vibrant flavors, speedy prep, and fresh serving style make it a winner every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to meals!