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- 1 lb ground beef - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 teaspoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1 small carrot, finely grated - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated These ingredients make the base of the dish. The ground beef gives a hearty flavor. The sesame oil adds depth, while garlic and ginger bring freshness. Soy sauce and honey balance the flavors with saltiness and sweetness. The veggies add crunch and color. - Sriracha or chili flakes You can add Sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick. This heat enhances the dish's depth. Adjust the amount based on your taste. - Ground beef can be swapped for turkey or tofu. - Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Use any crunchy veggies like cucumber or bell pepper instead of carrots. Substituting ingredients keeps the dish fresh. It allows you to try new flavors while still enjoying the core recipe. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Stir for about 1 minute until you can smell the ginger and garlic. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat using a spatula. Cook until the beef turns brown and is no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. While the beef cooks, grab a small bowl. In that bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This sauce adds great flavor to your beef. Once the beef is browned, pour the sauce over it. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Next, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1 small finely grated carrot, and 1/2 of a diced red bell pepper. Cook these veggies for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the mixture. To serve, take leaves from a head of butter or romaine lettuce. Spoon the beef mixture into the leaves. If you like heat, add Sriracha or chili flakes. Roll them up like wraps, and you’re all set to enjoy! To get the best texture in your sesame ginger beef, use high heat. This helps brown the beef quickly. Break the beef apart well while it cooks. This keeps the meat tender and mixes well with the veggies. Stir often to keep it from sticking. For a crunch, add the carrots and bell peppers just before the beef is done. This keeps them crisp and fresh. For a fun look, use big, leafy butter or romaine lettuce. Arrange the wraps on a platter. Drizzle a bit of extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a nice touch. You can also add sliced green onions. Serve with a small bowl of Sriracha or chili flakes on the side for guests who want some heat. One mistake is cooking the beef too long. This makes it dry and tough. Watch the heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Another mistake is not using enough sauce. The sauce adds flavor and moisture. Lastly, don’t skip the veggies. They add crunch and color to your wraps. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor, so opt for fresh rather than powdered or jarred versions. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha or chili flakes based on your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired. Try Different Greens: While lettuce is traditional, you can experiment with other greens like collard greens or Swiss chard for a unique wrap experience. Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving in the lettuce wraps. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef with other proteins. Ground turkey makes a leaner option. It has a mild flavor, which soaks up the sauce well. For a plant-based choice, try crumbled tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cook it like the beef. Use the same spices and sauces to keep the taste consistent. To change the heat level, adjust the Sriracha. If you like mild flavors, use less or skip it. For more heat, add chili flakes while cooking. You can also mix in fresh chopped chili peppers. This adds both spice and color to your wraps. Feel free to get creative with veggies. Add bell peppers for crunch, or try mushrooms for a savory taste. Shredded cabbage can give more texture. You could also use snow peas for a fresh bite. The key is to mix colors and textures for a fun and tasty wrap. To keep your sesame ginger beef fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the beef cool first. Place the beef in the fridge within two hours after cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. If you have leftover lettuce leaves, keep them separate. Store them in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag. This helps keep them crisp. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, heat the beef gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place the beef in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Pack the cooled beef in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. The beef can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier, and enjoy! Yes, you can make these wraps ahead of time. Cook the beef mixture and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the beef. Prepare the lettuce leaves fresh right before serving. This keeps them crisp and tasty. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce works best for these wraps. Both types have large, sturdy leaves. They hold the filling well and provide a nice crunch. You can also try iceberg lettuce for a different texture. Just make sure the leaves are fresh and not wilted. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar flavor but does not contain wheat. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. This blog post covered all you need for making Sesame Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps. We went through the main ingredients, easy steps for cooking, and tips for a tasty meal. You learned about different protein choices and how to spice things up. Remember to store leftovers well and reheat them properly. Don’t hesitate to try the variations. Cooking should be fun and adaptable. Enjoy your wraps and impress your friends with your delicious meals!

Sesame Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and savory beef wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 small carrot, finely grated
  • 1 2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 optional Sriracha or chili flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour the sauce over the browned beef, stirring to coat evenly. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the green onions, grated carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • To serve, spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves, adding Sriracha or chili flakes if desired for an extra kick. Roll them up like wraps and enjoy!

Notes

Add Sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword beef, easy, ginger, lettuce wraps, sesame