Name: Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar; ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce; 2 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 2 teaspoon arrowroot powder, or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoon 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; steamed white rice or sauteed cauliflower rice, optional, for serving

If there is one dish guaranteed to spark instant excitement at the dinner table, it’s Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. The vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, savory beef, and that magically sticky-sweet sauce is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for a festive gathering or a quick weeknight meal. With every bite, you get a burst of color, crunch, and punchy flavor that feels delightfully fresh yet comforting all at once. This recipe lets you whip them up at home in under 30 minutes—no fancy equipment, just simple ingredients and a little bit of love.

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these wraps are totally fuss-free, and every single one plays a key role in building those irresistible layers of taste and texture. Whether it’s the juicy ground beef or the bright veggies, don’t skip a thing—each brings something unique and delicious to the party.

Maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the sauce’s savory depth—pick your favorite for a subtle twist.
Coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce: Brings a rich umami flavor that forms the backbone of the sauce; coconut aminos are great for a soy-free option.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity for bright, punchy notes that wake up the whole dish.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a drizzle perfumes the sauce with an unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat in their Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps—add more or less to taste.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully, ensuring it clings to the beef in every mouthful.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the beef—its subtle flavor lets the other ingredients shine through.
Ground beef: The hearty, protein-rich core of the filling; use lean ground beef for lighter wraps.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the beef with a fragrant, savory complexity you just can’t skip.
Fresh ginger (grated): Adds warmth and zing; grate it finely for maximum flavor.
Red bell pepper (finely diced): Pops of color and sweetness—plus a little crunch.
Shredded carrots: Another dose of natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Green onions (sliced): Stirred in at the end for a fresh, oniony bite that completes the filling.
Kosher salt, to taste: For that final seasoning—always taste and adjust before serving.
Freshly ground pepper, to taste: A hint of heat and earthiness to marry all the flavors together.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle over the top for a lovely nutty crunch—don’t forget this finishing touch!
Boston Bibb lettuce: The perfect sturdy-yet-tender leaves for scooping up the delicious filling.
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional): Add either for a heartier, more filling wrap, or keep it light and crisp without.

How to Make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Mix Up the Irresistible Sauce

Start by whisking together the maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a measuring cup. This simple step is where the magic begins—each ingredient melds into a harmonious sweet-salty base. Sprinkle in the arrowroot powder or cornstarch and whisk until completely smooth; this will ensure your sauce coats the beef gorgeously later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté until it’s no longer pink and you’ve got plenty of savory brown bits—about five minutes. Those caramelized edges mean deep, beefy flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Build Up That Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, and keep stirring for another minute or two until their aroma blooms. This quick step layers in tons of flavor without needing extra effort. The kitchen will start to smell amazing, and you’ll know the filling is heading in the right direction.

Step 4: Veggie Time

Now toss in your diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for about three to four minutes, letting them soften slightly but still retain some crunch and color. These veggies not only brighten up your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps, they also add a sweet and fresh contrast to the rich beef.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour in your prepped sauce and give everything a good stir. Simmer for two to three minutes until the sauce has thickened just enough to coat the filling. Taste, then finally season with kosher salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring a just-right balance of flavors. Stir in the sliced green onions right at the end—so they stay vibrant and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon generous scoops of the sizzling beef filling into each Boston Bibb lettuce leaf. For extra heartiness, add a spoonful of steamed rice or cauliflower rice to each wrap before piling on the filling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch, and you’re off to the races! These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are now ready to be devoured.

How to Serve Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Don’t hold back when it comes to garnishing your wraps. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds visual flair and a subtle nutty bite, while extra sliced green onions or a drizzle of sriracha kick up both color and heat. You can also set out lime wedges for a zesty squeeze that cuts through the richness of the beef beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is always a favorite, while sautéed cauliflower rice keeps things low-carb. Steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or a quick carrot salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil make for vibrant accompaniments that complement the bold flavors of the wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter, pile the beef filling in a bowl alongside, and invite everyone to build their own. Or, make mini wraps for appetizers—use smaller lettuce leaves and secure each with a toothpick. Another fun twist is turning the filling into a rice bowl, topping steamed grains with the beef mixture, lettuce ribbons, and all your favorite garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, store the beef filling in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lettuce separate so it stays nice and crisp—assemble the wraps just before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

The ground beef filling freezes beautifully! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container once cooled, and it will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing is perfect if you want to double the Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps recipe for easy weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the beef filling in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce if needed to restore moisture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but gently reheating on the stove helps bring back that fresh-cooked flavor. Assemble fresh wraps as you go for maximum crunch!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that still taste wonderful in Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. You’ll get a lighter filling, but the sauce and veggies keep everything juicy and full of flavor.

What’s the best type of lettuce to use?

Boston Bibb or butter lettuce is ideal because the leaves are tender, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. Romaine or iceberg lettuce also work if you want an extra crunch, just be sure to use the inner leaves for the perfect bite-sized cups.

How can I make these wraps gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for coconut aminos or a gluten-free tamari, and double-check the rest of your ingredients. Your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps will be absolutely gluten-free and every bit as tasty!

Are these lettuce wraps spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can easily control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes in the sauce or adding sriracha on top. They’re friendly for all heat preferences, so start low and spice them up to your liking.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! The ground beef mixture can be made up to two days in advance and simply reheated before serving. Keep the lettuce and garnishes chilled and prepped, and let guests assemble their own Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps for fresh, interactive fun.

Final Thoughts

Once you give these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps a try, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re fast, colorful, packed with flavor, and a total joy to eat. Gather your ingredients, find your biggest skillet, and get ready to share a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—let your next dinner be a celebration of bold, fresh flavors!