Beef Lettuce Wraps Hoisin Sauce (Printable Version)
Savory ground beef and vegetables tossed in hoisin sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce for a light, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein & Vegetables
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
07 - 1 cup shredded carrots
08 - 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional)
09 - 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
→ Sauce
10 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
02 - Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and onion softens.
03 - Stir in red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and water chestnuts if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
04 - Whisk hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes together in a small bowl.
05 - Pour sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
06 - Remove from heat. Spoon the beef mixture into prepared lettuce leaves.
07 - Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best texture.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- They're ready in less than 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners when you're tired of the usual routine.
- The combination of crispy lettuce, warm seasoned beef, and that sticky-sweet hoisin sauce creates layers of texture and flavor that keep you coming back for another wrap.
- Everything is naturally dairy-free and lighter than most main dishes, so you won't feel weighed down after eating.
02 -
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef, give it space so it actually browns instead of steaming in its own juices.
- Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking because once the heat is on, everything moves fast and you'll regret not being ready.
- The lettuce leaves are your edible vessel, so separate them carefully and make sure they're completely dry or the filling will slip right through.
03 -
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for about a minute before using them, the difference in flavor between raw and toasted seeds is honestly shocking.
- Keep all your ingredients prepped and within arm's reach before you start cooking, because once the pan is hot you won't have time to dice anything without the beef overcooking.