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Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps are a light and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and crispy lettuce for an unforgettable taste. This easy-to-make recipe offers a healthy, vibrant meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The fusion of savory beef with tangy pickled carrots, fresh cucumber, and aromatic herbs creates a unique, delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 8 Bibb lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 English cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup each coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro, and mint
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved, then add the carrots and onions. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to pickle.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with ginger and garlic over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned. Drain the fat, then add soy sauce, mirin, salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using). Stir well and cook for another minute.
  • Drain the pickled carrots and onions before serving.
  • To assemble, place a spoonful of the beef mixture in each lettuce leaf. Top with cucumber, red pepper, green onions, pickled carrots and onions, fresh herbs, jalapenos, and peanuts. Drizzle with hoisin sauce and squeeze lime juice over the top. Fold the lettuce around the filling and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for tofu and skip the fish sauce.
  • Feel free to add extra vegetables such as summer squash or zucchini for more texture.
  • The wraps can be served with pickled vegetables, rice, or a side of pho for a complete meal.