Go Back

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Asian lettuce wraps with saucy, fragrant ground beef piled into crisp butter lettuce cups. This PF Changs-style lettuce wrap recipe is quick skillet cooking with a hoisin-sriracha glaze and crunchy water chestnuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ground beef filling
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 0.5 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 green onions, sliced
Serving
  • 1 butter or romaine lettuce leaves for serving
  • 1 sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Cook the beef
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook breaking it apart until browned, 8-10 minutes, until no pink remains and drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly sizzling.
Glaze and finish
  1. Stir in the chopped water chestnuts, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce coats the beef and looks glossy.
  2. Add the shredded carrots and half the sliced green onions, then toss for 1-2 minutes, until the carrots soften slightly but still look bright.
Assemble and garnish
  1. Spoon the beef mixture into butter or romaine lettuce leaves, filling each cup with a mound that holds its shape.
  2. Top with the remaining sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately while the lettuce stays crisp.

Notes

Pro tip: drain excess beef fat for a cleaner-tasting filling and smoother hoisin glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming, then reassemble in fresh lettuce. Freezing is not recommended for the lettuce, but you can freeze the filling up to 2 months. For a lighter option, swap turkey for the ground beef to reduce overall fat and calories while keeping the same hoisin-sriracha flavor.