Name: Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar; ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder, or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced; ½ cup shredded carrots; 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish; Boston Bibb lettuce; Steamed white rice or sauteed cauliflower rice, optional, for serving

If you’re searching for a lively, family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are about to be your new household favorite. Each bite offers a crunchy, fresh lettuce cup overflowing with savory, ginger-kissed ground beef, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy, garlicky-sweet sauce. Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds (or thirds), and you’ll love how easily the whole meal comes together with just a handful of essential pantry and fridge staples. Experience that playful, hands-on vibe of restaurant lettuce wraps—without ever leaving your kitchen!

Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful, relying on a mix of fresh veggies, aromatics, and a sauce that is both tangy and satisfying. Each ingredient has an important role—some add crunch, others umami, and a couple bring just the right amount of heat or sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need to create truly craveable Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps:

Maple syrup or brown/coconut sugar: Sweetness here is subtle and balances the rich flavors of the beef while helping the sauce get that gorgeous lacquer.
Coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce: This brings deep umami notes and just the right amount of saltiness to unify all the bold flavors.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that keeps the filling bright and never heavy.
Toasted sesame oil: A touch of this nutty oil infuses classic Asian aroma you’ll smell the second it hits the pan.
Red pepper flakes (optional): They provide a pop of gentle heat; add a pinch or more depending on your spice tolerance.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce so it beautifully coats every bite.
Olive oil: Gives a perfect golden sear on the beef and starts things off on the right (healthy) foot.
Ground beef: The star of this show! Pick a lean blend for the best texture and fewer drips.
Garlic, minced: Provides loads of savory, aromatic punch that makes each wrap irresistible.
Fresh ginger, grated: Zesty and slightly spicy, it breathes life into the filling.
Red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness that pairs unexpectedly well with the beef.
Shredded carrots: These brighten up the mixture with sweet notes and beautiful orange flecks.
Green onions: Stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Kosher salt and ground pepper: Essential seasoning to get every bite just right.
Sesame seeds: A nutty, crunchy garnish that makes the wraps look as good as they taste.
Boston Bibb lettuce: Butter-soft leaves that hold the filling perfectly and stay sturdy even when loaded.
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional): A fluffy, neutral base if you’re looking for something extra hearty.

How to Make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

This is where the magic truly starts. In a measuring cup, whisk together maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice), coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re into a gentle spicy kick. Once combined, add in the arrowroot or cornstarch and whisk again until the sauce is perfectly smooth—this ensures a glossy, clingy texture that’ll coat every bit of filling just right.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up your olive oil in a skillet until shimmering. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it sizzle until it’s no longer pink and develops just a touch of caramelization; this adds rich, savory flavor that will anchor your wraps.

Step 3: Build Your Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pan, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells vibrant and irresistible—usually just a minute or two. These aromatics form the backbone of the irresistible Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps flavor.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Next, toss in that bright red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook them for a few minutes so they’re still slightly crisp but nicely cooked; you want them to keep their snappy texture for contrast with the tender beef.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Pour your whisked sauce over everything in the skillet, stirring carefully to coat the meat and veggies. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes—watch as the sauce thickens into a glossy, aromatic glaze that clings to every morsel. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Fill

Stir in those sliced green onions for a final hit of color and flavor. Then, gently pile spoonfuls of the beef mixture into sturdy Boston Bibb lettuce cups. If you’re feeling extra, add a bit of rice or cauliflower rice to the bottom for a little extra heft. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and you’re ready to serve these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps!

How to Serve Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Garnishing these wraps takes them from tasty to totally restaurant-worthy. Shower with toasted sesame seeds for a pop of nuttiness and crunch, and a scatter of extra sliced green onions brightens both the look and flavor. For a spicy edge, add paper-thin slices of red chili or a drizzle of sriracha. A squeeze of lime never hurts, bringing out all those zingy, savory notes.

Side Dishes

For a full meal, pair your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice. Light, fresh sides like a cucumber salad or pickled veggies offer cooling contrast. Feeling bold? Serve alongside some crispy baked spring rolls or a bowl of steaming miso soup for a cozy, Asian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring in a DIY twist by setting out the seasoned beef, lettuce cups, and toppings buffet-style—let everyone build their own for the ultimate customizable meal. For parties or a more elevated look, try serving the wraps on a wooden board with colorful veggie sticks, extra herbs, and sauces for dipping. You can even make mini lettuce wrap “boats” for bite-sized appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately, wrapped in a paper towel and tucked into a zip-top bag to maintain their crunch. Assemble wraps only as you’re ready to serve so everything stays fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make the filling ahead for easy weeknight meals, you’re in luck. The cooked ground beef mixture freezes well: cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Just remember—lettuce cups and crunchy garnishes are always best fresh!

Reheating

Warm up the beef filling gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to revive the sauce’s texture. Stir occasionally until heated through. Skip the microwave if you can; stovetop reheating helps everything stay juicy and flavorful, preserving the integrity of your Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps masterpiece.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! These wraps are super flexible. Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled firm tofu for a lighter or vegetarian take while still getting all the amazing flavor of classic Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps.

What kind of lettuce works best?

Boston Bibb lettuce is the gold standard thanks to its soft, cup-shaped leaves, but you can also use butter lettuce or even sturdy romaine leaves for extra crunch. Make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling comfortably.

Are they spicy?

The base recipe is mild, offering just a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, feel free to add extra pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or a drizzle of chili-garlic sauce. They’re just as delicious with no extra heat, too!

How can I make these wraps more filling?

You can serve the beef filling over steamed rice (white or brown) or sautéed cauliflower rice inside the lettuce cups. A handful of chopped nuts, like peanuts or cashews, adds crunch and satisfying substance, turning them into a truly hearty meal.

Are Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps gluten free?

They absolutely can be! Just make sure to use coconut aminos or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep everything safe for celiac friends or family.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s just as fun to cook as it is to eat, these Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are calling your name! They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or even your next gathering with friends. Whip up a batch, customize your toppings, and let each wrap burst with unbeatable flavor and freshness.