Beef & Herb Lettuce Wraps with Quick Lime Crunch
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1 tablespoonfresh ginger
- 3 tablespoonsoy sauce
- 2 tablespoonrice vinegar
- 1lime
- 8butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- ·fresh mint
- ·fresh cilantro
- 3scallion
- ¼ cuppeanuts (roasted, unsalted)
- 1 tablespoonneutral oil
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.
- 02
Juice 1 lime.
- 03
Slice 3 scallions on a bias.
- 04
Roughly chop a small handful of fresh mint and cilantro.
- 05
Roughly chop 1/4 cup roasted peanuts.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, 4–5 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 02
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03
Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly reduced and the beef is glazed. Taste and adjust seasoning with a squeeze of lime juice.
- 04
Assemble by placing a spoonful of the beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with fresh mint, cilantro, a pinch of sliced scallion, and crushed peanuts. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Spice Tips
For gentle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking. For more kick, drizzle a dash of sriracha or chili oil over each wrap just before eating. A small splash of sesame oil stirred into the finished beef adds nutty depth.
Make-ahead: brown the beef and prepare the sauce up to 4 hours ahead; gently reheat before assembling. Lettuce wraps are best served fresh. Substitute hoisin sauce for soy sauce if you prefer a touch of sweetness.