These beef lettuce wraps are great as a snack or a full meal. They use a savory meat filling and crisp vegetables, keeping carbs low while delivering big flavor.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb (454 g) extra‑lean ground beef (93 % lean)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili‑garlic sauce or sriracha
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and light green parts)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 8 large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter)
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
Directions
Heat the oil in a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the beef and stir until it turns brown and crumbles, about 5 minutes. The meat should reach 160 °F (71 °C).
Mix in the bell pepper and carrots. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are just a little soft.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the beef, add the chili‑garlic sauce, and stir for 1 minute.
Remove the pan from heat. Fold in the green onions, cilantro, and mint. Spoon the mixture into each lettuce leaf and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Serves: 4 (about 2 leaves and 1¼ cups of filling per person)
Nutrition per serving: 248 kcal, 12 g fat, 10 g carbs, 26 g protein, 416 mg sodium, 3 g fiber.