Description
Tender ground beef with Asian-inspired flavors served in crisp Bibb lettuce cups, complemented by colorful vegetables. This quick and adaptable dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk in arrowroot powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a 10” skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced bell pepper and shredded carrots, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed, then stir in green onions.
- Spoon the Asian style ground beef mixture into lettuce leaves (with or without rice) and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and adaptable to paleo preferences.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or pork for ground beef.
- Add other vegetables like shredded cabbage or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 lettuce wraps)
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg