Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce

Wrap up a healthy, light and easy dinner everyone will rave about with this Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce! Beef fills tender butter lettuce leaves here but chicken, turkey or pork will also work. Serve these healthy lettuce wraps with Miso-Glazed Eggplant for a flavor-packed side dish!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

Sharing one of my most requested personal chef client favorites!

My Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce has been a favorite of adults and kids alike for about as long as I've been a personal chef. After all, who doesn't like to play with their food and eat with their hands--especially when you're enjoying a healthy lettuce wrap?

The list of ingredients looks long, but the lettuce wrap recipe is easy without any difficult techniques.

In a nutshell:

• Combine the ingredients for the Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce.
• Cook onion, red bell pepper and ground beef then add pantry ingredients for the filling.
• Fill 'em up! Top tender butter lettuce leaves with the flavorful filling then add simple toppings.

These Asian lettuce wraps are:

• Healthy! The addition of brown rice adds fiber.
• Super flavorful!
• Easy to make.
• Versatile! Can also be made with chicken, turkey or pork.
• Economical. Uses ingredients you may already have in your pantry!

How to Make an Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this lettuce wraps recipe along with how to prep the ingredients. It may look like a lot, but you may already have many of the ingredients on hand in your pantry. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground Beef: Use ground beef such as chuck or sirloin. Ground chicken, turkey or pork can also be used.
• Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can also be used.
• Soy Sauce: I prefer Kikkoman Low-Sodium Soy Sauce. Regular soy sauce can be super strong and it's always a good idea to reduce sodium intake, especially with other ingredients with higher levels of sodium such as ketchup and chili garlic sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: This mild Asian vinegar is sometimes referred to as rice wine vinegar, however, they are actually two different ingredients. Both will work in this recipe. Rice vinegar is a nice ingredient to always have on hand when you want something only mildly acidic.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce is the most popular and well-known brand. Adds a spicy kick! If you're not into spicy, then reduce the amount initially; you can always add more!
• Sesame Oil: Use toasted sesame oil found in the international aisle which is intended for flavoring rather than light sesame oil which is intended for cooking.
• Butter Lettuce (also known as Boston and Bibb): Ideal for lettuce wraps because it's so pliable. The loose, round heads are often sold in a plastic shell with the roots still attached to extend freshness. Because the roots usually are still attached, it's a good idea to rinse the heads before using them.
• Brown Rice: You can purchase cooked brown rice near the frozen vegetable section. Quinoa is a great substitute.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Gather and prep all the ingredients for the Asian lettuce wraps recipe.
• Whisk together the Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce first so the flavors can meld and set it aside. Refrigerate if made in advance; set aside if using right away.

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and cook another 2 to 3 minutes.

• Add the ground beef (chicken, turkey or pork). Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking the beef up with a large spoon as it browns. When the beef is no longer pink, drain off any excess grease.

• Return the skillet to the heat and add the garlic, ginger, broth, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar and chili garlic sauce.

• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until sauce is reduced and thickened. Taste for seasoning.

• That's it! Healthy lettuce wraps!
• Pile into lettuce leaves and top with hot, cooked brown rice, thinly sliced scallion and shredded or julienned carrots. Peanuts or cashews would also make a tasty, crunch addition!
• Pour the tangy sauce onto the Asian beef lettuce wraps or dip the wraps into it.

Chef Tips and Tricks:

• Because one butter lettuce leaf can be a bit flimsy, use two butter lettuce leaves for a more substantial wrap.
• Whenever I cook brown rice, I always cook more than I will need for the recipe I'm making. It freezes great and barely needs any thawing; it can go right into the microwave to be heated up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Storage:

• Refrigerate any leftovers of the lettuce, filling and sauce for up to five days. The filling and sauce can also be frozen for 2 to 3 months. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Thaw the sauce in the microwave but just to the point where it's thawed as it's better chilled or at room temperature.

Serve with:

• Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Cilantro Cashew Sauce
• Thai Sweet Chili Green Beans
• Sriracha Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Get all my great weeknight dinner solution recipes at: Weeknight Dinner Solutions - From A Chef's Kitchen

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