Why Make This Recipe
Asian Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and fun dish that brings together a mix of flavors and textures. They are light and healthy, making them a perfect choice for a lunch or dinner. The fresh crunch of lettuce paired with savory beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and a tasty sauce creates a meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste.
How to Make Asian Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 0.25 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger
- 1 dash Asian chile pepper sauce, or to taste
- 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil
Directions:
- Gather all ingredients.
- Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not to tear them; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease; transfer beef to a bowl.
- Add onion to the same skillet; cook and stir until just tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chile pepper sauce until well combined.
- Add water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef; cook and stir until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter; spoon beef mixture in the center.
How to Serve Asian Lettuce Wraps
Serve the Asian Lettuce Wraps by allowing everyone to take a lettuce leaf and fill it with the beef mixture. You can provide extra hoisin sauce or sliced green onions on the side for those who want more flavor.
How to Store Asian Lettuce Wraps
If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the beef mixture and serve it in fresh lettuce leaves.
Tips to Make Asian Lettuce Wraps
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers or carrots to the beef mixture.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper sauce according to your preference.
Variation
You can also make vegetarian Asian Lettuce Wraps by substituting ground beef with chopped mushrooms or cooked quinoa for a plant-based option.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes, you can use other types of lettuce, like romaine or iceberg, if you prefer. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.
2. Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. What can I serve with Asian Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps pair well with steamed rice or a simple Asian salad for a complete meal.
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients.
- Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not to tear them; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease; transfer beef to a bowl.
- Add onion to the same skillet; cook and stir until just tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chile pepper sauce until well combined.
- Add water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef; cook and stir until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter; spoon beef mixture in the center.
- Allow everyone to take a lettuce leaf and fill it with the beef mixture.