Beef Lettuce Wraps Hoisin (Print version)

Sautéed ground beef with aromatic veggies in hoisin sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

# What you 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 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, 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 tender-crisp.
04 - Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
05 - Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
06 - Remove from heat. Spoon the beef mixture into prepared lettuce leaves.
07 - Top each wrap with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive without the stress.
  • Light enough to feel fresh, but savory and satisfying enough to actually feel like a real meal.
  • The crispy lettuce leaves do all the work—they're built-in serving vessels that make eating feel fun and interactive.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the beef properly—if you crowd the pan or use low heat, it'll steam instead of sear, and you'll lose all that rich, caramelized flavor that makes the dish special.
  • The sauce thickens slightly as it simmers, so if you've made it ahead and it looks too thick, warm it with a splash of water before serving.
  • Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking; once the pan is hot, everything moves fast and you won't have time to dice peppers mid-sauté.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before sprinkling them on top—the warmth releases the oils and makes them taste incredibly fragrant.
  • If you're using iceberg lettuce, soak the leaves in ice water for 10 minutes before serving to make them extra crisp and sturdy for wrapping.

Return