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Beef and Onion Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce Recipe

These Beef and Onion Lettuce Wraps are a delightful combination of savory ground beef, crisp lettuce, and sweet hoisin sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer, each wrap is bursting with flavor and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (about 810 large leaves)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • Chopped peanuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  2. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll know they’re ready when the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
  3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid clumping.
  4. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat if needed. Then, add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. While the beef is simmering, prepare your lettuce leaves by gently separating them and washing them under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel to avoid soggy wraps.
  7. To serve, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling into the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy your wraps immediately while the filling is warm!

Nutrition

Keywords: Be careful not to overcook the garlic and ginger; they should be aromatic but not browned. For a bolder flavor, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or oyster sauce to the beef mixture. Avoid using too many cooking oils or sauces at once to maintain balance.