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Easy Thai Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These Easy Thai Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect light yet satisfying meal that brings bold and vibrant Thai flavors to your table. With savory ground beef, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce, these lettuce wraps offer a delicious balance of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy snack.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for scooping the filling
  • Large plate for serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup onions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional for heat
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts optional for crunch
  • 1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce for wrapping

Instructions

  • Cook the Ground Beef
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add Aromatics
  • Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions have softened.
  • Prepare the Sauce
  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir the sauce into the cooked beef mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, lime juice, or chili flakes as needed.
  • Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and arrange them on a large plate or platter.
  • Fill the Wraps
  • Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, being careful not to overfill.
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Top with crushed peanuts for added crunch and additional cilantro or green onions for extra freshness.
  • Serve and Enjoy
  • Serve the wraps immediately and enjoy with extra lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.