Spicy Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps with Quick Pickled Veggies

These lettuce wraps are a fun and interactive meal that both kids and adults will love. The filling is made with ground beef sautéed in soy sauce, hoisin sauce and a touch of sriracha for heat, with water chestnuts adding a delightful crunch.

Quick pickled carrots and red bell peppers bring a briny, tangy contrast, while chopped peanuts provide a sweet-salty finish. Simply spoon the mixture into lettuce cups and enjoy!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons soy sauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons hoisin sauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon srirachaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and choppedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 carrot, juliennedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 red bell pepper, juliennedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/4 cup rice vinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon sugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/4 cup chopped peanutsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separatedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar and sugar. Add julienned carrot and bell pepper. Toss to coat and set aside to quick-pickle.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce and sriracha. Add chopped water chestnuts and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. To serve, spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with pickled vegetables and chopped peanuts.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can use any large-leaf lettuce like romaine or green leaf lettuce. Butter lettuce works best for its cup-like shape.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the beef mixture and pickled vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps just before serving.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed.