Name: Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup (brown sugar, or coconut sugar); ¼ cup coconut aminos (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; Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one meal that never fails to wow a crowd and still happens to be weeknight-easy, it’s these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. They’re a gloriously fresh, hands-on dish where richly seasoned beef mixes with crisp vegetables and a sweet-salty sauce, all gently cupped in tender lettuce. Every bite balances bright crunch with savory flavors, making it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps fit every occasion with their playful presentation and vibrant, satisfying taste.

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients; each one is carefully chosen to craft layers of flavor, color, and irresistible texture. From the umami base to the final crunch, these stars work together to make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps truly unforgettable.

Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and slight depth, but brown or coconut sugar also work wonders for the sauce.
Coconut Aminos: Offers soy-like savoriness while keeping things a little lighter; tamari or soy sauce are great swaps.
Rice Vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that brightens and balances the rich flavors.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, delivering classic nutty aroma and unmistakable Asian flair.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): The perfect pinch for gentle heat, totally adjustable based on your spice preference.
Arrowroot Powder: Thickens the sauce to luscious perfection; cornstarch steps in easily if needed.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef, giving it a golden sear and juicy texture.
Ground Beef: The star protein, quick-cooking and incredibly satisfying.
Garlic (minced): Brings deep savory aromatics to every bite.
Fresh Ginger (grated): Zesty and invigorating, it lifts all the flavors.
Red Bell Pepper (finely diced): Pops of sweet crunch and color throughout the filling.
Shredded Carrots: Deliver a gentle sweetness and a rainbow of texture.
Green Onions: Sliced into pretty rounds for bright flavor and fresh finish.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning the dish perfectly to enhance every ingredient.
Ground Pepper: Freshly cracked for a bold bite.
Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Toasty and nutty, these scatter on top for crunch and appeal.
Boston Bibb Lettuce: The ideal wrap—soft, pliable leaves that never overpower the filling.
Steamed White Rice or Sautéed Cauliflower Rice (optional): Makes your wraps heartier for big appetites, or keeps things lighter and low-carb.

How to Make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Whisk Together the Savory Sauce

Grab a liquid measuring cup and combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and (if you like a touch of heat) a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Use a small whisk or fork to blend everything until smooth, sweet, and tangy. Now, add the arrowroot powder and whisk really well—this will help your sauce cling lovingly to the beef and veggies later. Set this magic elixir aside; you’re about to transform ground beef into something special.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it develop some color and lose its pinkness, about five minutes, so you get both flavor and a bit of crispy texture around the edges.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger

Lower the heat just a touch and stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Give everything a good toss for one to two minutes, letting those gorgeous aromas bloom and soak right into the beef. This is where you’ll notice your kitchen starting to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Vegetables for Sweet Crunch

Sprinkle in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Continue stirring and cooking for about three to four minutes. The goal is to keep them vibrant and crisp-tender, providing perfect contrast to the rich beef.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce and Simmer

Pour your whisked sauce over the skillet contents and stir to coat everything. Continue to simmer for two to three minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble gently and thicken just right. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. You want every bite balanced and bold.

Step 6: Finish with Green Onion

Turn off the heat and stir in the green onion slices. These fresh pops add a burst of color and a crisp, herbal bite to the finished filling.

Step 7: Assemble Your Wraps

Scoop the saucy ground beef mixture into the washed and dried lettuce cups. You can add a spoonful of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for extra substance, or keep things grain-free. Top each wrap generously with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect nutty finish. You’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Dressing up Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps with garnishes takes them from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime, or even chopped cilantro over each wrap for gorgeous color and an added layer of taste. If your guests like it spicy, set out thinly sliced chilies or a drizzle of sriracha on the side for some kick.

Side Dishes

These wraps are a versatile centerpiece, so you can pair them with all sorts of sides. Think crisp Asian slaw, lightly pickled cucumber salad, or a bowl of miso soup for a full meal. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning a bigger dinner, a platter of steamed dumplings or sticky rice fits right at home. Keep the sides light and vibrant to highlight the freshness of the wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps is half the fun! Lay out all the components family-style: heaping bowls of filling, a big pile of lettuce leaves, garnishes, and rice. Let everyone build their own for an interactive dining experience. For appetizers, turn them into mini-lettuce cups and arrange on a platter, or skewer them for a party-ready presentation that gets everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover filling from your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps will keep beautifully. Transfer the cooled beef mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the lettuce leaves washed and wrapped separately in paper towels inside a resealable bag to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

If you’d like to make the beef filling ahead, it freezes exceptionally well! Spoon the cooked mixture into a freezer-safe container or bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a speedy, flavor-packed dinner.

Reheating

To reheat the filling, pop it in a skillet and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For a microwave option, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring each time, until piping hot. Then all you need is fresh lettuce to bring your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even plant-based crumbles all take beautifully to the sauce and veggies in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed—leaner meats may cook a little faster.

What’s the best lettuce for these wraps?

Bibb lettuce is my top pick for Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps because it’s tender and cupped for easy filling, but butter lettuce and even romaine hearts work great too. Just pick leaves that are fresh and big enough to hold all that delicious filling!

Is there a low-carb option for the sauce?

You can swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener or simply use less for a lighter sauce. Coconut aminos are naturally less salty and a little sweeter than soy sauce, so taste as you go for your preferred balance.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare the beef filling and prep your lettuce and toppings in advance. Quickly reheat the filling before guests arrive, then set up all the components for a DIY wrap bar—guests will love assembling their own Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps.

Do I need to serve these with rice?

Rice is completely optional. For a heartier meal, a spoonful of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice works great, but they’re absolutely delicious and lighter as simple lettuce wraps with just the filling and garnishes!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall for the crunch, flavor, and shareable vibe of these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight win or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is one to add to your regular rotation. Grab your lettuce, gather your friends, and give these wraps a try—you may just find they become a new favorite at your table too!