Beef Lettuce Wraps Hoisin (Print Version)

Savory minced beef with hoisin and crisp vegetables wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, perfect for a light meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Mixture

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup diced water chestnuts (optional)
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Sauce

09 - 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
13 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)

→ To Serve

14 - 12 to 16 large butter lettuce leaves (Bibb or Boston)
15 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
17 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook 5 to 6 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
05 - Stir in diced red bell pepper and water chestnuts, cooking for another 2 minutes.
06 - Pour prepared sauce over the beef mixture and toss to coat evenly; cook for 2 more minutes.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in thinly sliced green onions.
08 - Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into butter lettuce leaves. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Wrap and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something fresh and satisfying.
  • The crisp lettuce acts as a natural vessel, turning each bite into a fun, interactive experience that kids and adults both enjoy.
  • The balance of hoisin sweetness, ginger heat, and lime brightness keeps your palate engaged without overwhelming it.
  • You can easily swap proteins or add extra vegetables, so it adapts to whatever you have on hand.
02 -
  • Dont skip draining the beef if theres excess fat; too much grease will make the lettuce soggy and the wraps less enjoyable.
  • Add the green onions after removing from heat so they stay crisp and bright instead of wilting into the filling.
  • If your lettuce leaves are small or fragile, double them up to prevent tearing when you wrap and lift.
  • Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan; hoisin brands vary in sweetness, so you may want to adjust the sriracha or vinegar.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before sprinkling them on top; the nutty aroma is worth the extra step.
  • Use kitchen shears to trim the thick base of the lettuce leaves so theyre easier to fold and bite into.
  • If youre serving a crowd, set out all the components and let everyone build their own wraps; it turns dinner into an event.
  • A small drizzle of extra hoisin sauce on the finished wrap adds a sweet finish that some guests will love.

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