Beef Lettuce Wraps Peanuts (Printable)

Savory ground beef combined with peanuts and fresh veggies in crisp, refreshing lettuce cups.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tsp sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp brown sugar
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes & Assembly

14 - 8 large butter or Bibb lettuce leaves, washed and dried
15 - 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
16 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1 small carrot, julienned or grated
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
19 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
04 - Mix in diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften slightly.
05 - Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and mixture is heated through.
06 - Take skillet off the heat to prevent overcooking.
07 - Spoon beef filling into center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, julienned carrot, and optional fresh cilantro leaves.
08 - Serve immediately accompanied by lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in 30 minutes flat, yet taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
  • No cooking skills required—just good ingredients and a willingness to taste as you go.
  • They're naturally dairy-free and feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • Your guests will assume you're showing off, when really you're just having fun.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the lettuce leaves or they'll tear; they should feel cool and crisp, creating a textural contrast with the warm beef filling.
  • The sesame oil is not optional—it's the difference between good and the-kind-of-thing-people-remember.
  • Taste the beef filling before you serve it; you might want more vinegar, more heat, or more salty punch depending on your palate.
03 -
  • If your lettuce leaves are too stiff, dip them briefly in cool water and they'll become more pliable—this small move prevents tears and makes assembly easier.
  • Don't brown the beef too aggressively; you want it flavorful and slightly moist, not dried out and crumbly.

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