Introducing my latest creation, Asian Lettuce Wraps! I’m Austin Carter, and today, I’m excited to share this simple yet flavorful dish with you. As a food blogger on “Beyond the Bayou Blog,” I love exploring recipes that are easy to make yet pack a punch of taste.
Let me share an incidence of mine these wraps. One busy weeknight, I was craving something savory and satisfying. With a few ingredients on hand, I whipped up these lettuce wraps, with Orange Julius and they turned out to be a hit! The combination of juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and ginger, and the tangy hoisin sauce wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves created a delightful meal that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Join me in discovering how these Asian Lettuce Wraps can be a delicious addition to your menu. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering, adding a touch of Asian flair to your table. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor every bite together!
Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cooking oil
- Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger
- 1 dash Asian chile pepper sauce or to taste (Optional)
- 1 8 ounce can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 2 teaspoons Asian dark sesame oil
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves, set them aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, then transfer it to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, cook chopped onion until tender.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and optional chile pepper sauce.
- Add water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef to the skillet, cook until onions start to wilt.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon beef mixture in the center.
Nutrition
Time for The Tips!
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil before cooking. This adds depth to the meat filling.
- Texture Balance: To balance textures, lightly toast the water chestnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Asian chile pepper sauce according to your spice preference. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect level of heat for your palate.
- Freshness Matters: Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor. The aromatics will infuse the dish with vibrant and authentic Asian flavors.
- Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds over the finished wraps for a visually appealing presentation and added freshness.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a soy-ginger dipping sauce alongside the wraps for dipping and drizzling.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll take your Asian Lettuce Wraps to the next level, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Enjoy the culinary journey!
What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps?
