Beef Lettuce Cups Lime (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef seasoned with lime, garlic, and ginger served in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
05 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lime
11 - 1 carrot, grated
12 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Assembly

14 - 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
15 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Stir in sliced scallions, chopped chili if using, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Add lime zest, lime juice, grated carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring well. Remove from heat and fold in chopped cilantro.
05 - Spoon the beef mixture into washed lettuce leaves. Garnish each cup with chopped peanuts and extra cilantro if desired.
06 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for added zest.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lime and ginger wake up every bite without weighing you down.
  • You can prep everything in under half an hour and still feel like you cooked something special.
  • Eating with your hands makes dinner feel less serious and way more fun.
02 -
  • Do not skip the lime zest, it carries all the floral oil that plain juice cannot give you.
  • If your lettuce leaves are too stiff, rinse them in ice water for a few minutes to crisp them up.
  • Taste the filling before you serve it and add more lime or fish sauce if it needs a push.
03 -
  • Let the beef get a little crispy in the pan before stirring, it adds texture and flavor you cannot get from stirring constantly.
  • Zest the lime before you juice it, it is easier and you will not waste any of the oils.
  • If your lettuce leaves are too large, layer two smaller ones together for extra structure.

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