These beef lettuce wraps are an easy, delicious weeknight meal you’ll want to make again and again. Ground beef is browned with red pepper, green onions, honey, garlic and fresh ginger, then served in crisp, refreshing lettuce cups. They’re satisfying, full of flavor, and come together quickly.
I’ve got a simple, flavorful dinner idea for you today.
These honey-ginger beef lettuce wraps are filling yet light. They combine savory, sweet, and bright flavors with satisfying crunch from the lettuce. Best of all, they’re quick to prepare—perfect for weeknights.
January can feel long, and while soup has its place, it’s nice to include something bright and different in the rotation. These wraps add a fresh, summery note to a winter meal without any fuss.
This dish feels light and refreshing, like a warm-weather bite even when it’s cold outside. It’s also great for entertaining since it’s quick to assemble and easy for guests to customize.
I love serving these for casual dinners or even happy hour gatherings. They’re adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.
Kids often enjoy these because they’re similar to tacos—crunchy lettuce cups are fun to fill and eat. My own kids love scooping the beef into the lettuce and topping it as they like.
Make ahead: the beef mixture reheats well, and you can wash and dry the lettuce leaves ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, warm the beef and assemble the wraps for an effortless meal.
The sauce—honey, soy, ginger, garlic and a splash of toasted sesame oil—gives the beef so much depth. A finishing drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds really elevates the dish.
I like adding red bell pepper and green onions for color, crunch and freshness. You can also add other vegetables you have on hand—snap peas, thinly sliced broccoli or shredded cabbage all work well. I cook the veggies briefly with the beef so they soften slightly but still retain some texture.
For serving, I often grate carrots finely and tuck them into the lettuce cups before spooning the beef on top. The grated carrots add a touch of sweetness, color, and extra crunch.
Honey Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps
Honey Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- sesame seeds, for topping
- iceberg, romaine or butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the ground beef with another pinch of salt and pepper. Break it up and cook until no longer pink and beginning to crisp. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook briefly to release their aroma.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, then stir in the green onions. Remove from heat.
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Ensure the lettuce leaves are clean and dry. Place a small handful of grated carrots in each leaf, top with a few spoonfuls of the beef mixture, and finish with sesame seeds, extra green onions and extra soy sauce if desired.
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Dinnertime!