Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor, these Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect balance of savory and refreshing. They’re made with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a drizzle of tangy-sweet sauce, all wrapped up in crunchy lettuce leaves. It’s a healthy appetizer or light dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make.

This dish brings together the bold umami flavors of Asian cuisine with the satisfying crunch of fresh greens. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a gathering, or just looking for a clean, low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, these lettuce wraps deliver every time.

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

• Quick to prepare – Done in under 30 minutes
• Healthy and light – Lettuce instead of tortillas or buns keeps it low-carb
• Bursting with flavor – Sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy all in one bite
• Family-friendly – A build-your-own meal that everyone can enjoy their own way
• Great for meal prep – Make the filling ahead and assemble when ready to eat

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What Kind of Lettuce is Best for Lettuce Wraps?

You want sturdy lettuce that’s still flexible enough to fold. Butter lettuce and romaine are two great options. Butter lettuce (also called Bibb or Boston lettuce) has soft, rounded leaves that cradle fillings beautifully. Romaine is a little crisper and gives a satisfying crunch. Avoid iceberg—it tends to crack and doesn’t hold shape well.

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Ingredients for the Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so crave-worthy.

• Ground Beef – The protein-rich base that soaks up all the savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce.
• Soy Sauce – Adds deep umami and saltiness to the beef.
• Garlic & Ginger – Freshly minced, these give the dish its signature zing and warmth.
• Hoisin Sauce – Brings a sweet, slightly tangy element that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Rice Vinegar – Brightens up the flavor and adds a subtle tang.
• Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way for that nutty, toasted flavor.
• Green Onions – For color, crunch, and a mild onion kick.
• Carrots & Bell Peppers – Add texture, color, and a slight sweetness.
• Lettuce Leaves – Your edible cups. Go with butter lettuce or romaine for strength and crunch.
• Sesame Seeds – Optional, but great for garnish and a tiny bit of crunch.

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How To Make the Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks to create small crumbles.

Step 2: Add Flavor Base

Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce

Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil to the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the beef soak up the sauce for 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Toss in shredded carrots and thinly sliced bell peppers. Stir just to warm them through while keeping some crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Spoon the beef mixture into clean, dry lettuce leaves. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately while warm. Let everyone build their own wraps for a fun, interactive meal.

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Serving and Storing Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

This recipe is perfect for feeding 4 to 5 people as a light main or appetizer. The best part? It’s totally customizable, making it great for casual dinners or entertaining.

If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture separately from the lettuce leaves. Keep the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warm, then spoon into fresh lettuce cups when ready to eat.

Avoid storing assembled wraps—they’ll get soggy quickly. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

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What to Serve With Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

For a heartier meal, serve your wraps with fluffy jasmine rice on the side.

Cucumber Salad

A fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil pairs beautifully and adds a cooling touch.

Miso Soup

A warm, comforting bowl of miso soup balances the crispness of the lettuce.

Edamame

Lightly salted and steamed edamame pods are a protein-packed, finger-friendly side.

Spring Rolls

Vegetable or shrimp spring rolls make a tasty, crunchy addition.

Pickled Vegetables

Quick-pickled carrots, radishes, or daikon add brightness and zing.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy, tangy slaw with sesame dressing adds contrast in texture and flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly for a leaner alternative. Just make sure to season it well, as turkey is milder in flavor than beef.

How do I keep the lettuce from tearing?
Dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly and handle them gently. Choose whole, unbroken leaves and avoid overfilling each wrap.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check that your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the beef for cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with ground beef or switch things up with turkey or mushrooms?

I love seeing your variations and answering your questions. Sharing tips helps us all cook a little better every time.

You can find even more quick and flavorful recipes like this one on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect combo of flavor-packed filling and fresh crunch. They’re quick, healthy, and endlessly versatile, making them a favorite for both busy weeknights and laid-back gatherings. Once you try them, they’re bound to become part of your regular recipe rotation.

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