Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup (brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari or soy sauce)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste (for garnish)
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break it apart, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook while stirring continuously until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are just tender but still retain some bite, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and ground pepper as needed.
- Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the filling into fresh Boston Bibb lettuce leaves to create wraps. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve as-is or alongside steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice. This recipe makes approximately 8 wraps without rice or up to 12 wraps if rice is added.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce—ensure it is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Boston Bibb lettuce is preferred for its tender leaves, but other varieties like butter lettuce can also be used.
- To make this dish gluten-free, confirm the soy sauce or tamari you use is certified gluten-free.
- These wraps can be served with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs or with steamed white rice for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
