Name: Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon mild olive oil, for frying; 400 g lean beef mince; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, for frying; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 5 cm piece of root ginger, peeled and finely chopped; 1–2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; Zest of 1 lime plus juice of half; 3 spring onions, chopped; 2 little gem lettuces, separated into leaves; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for dressing); Juice of ½ lime (for dressing); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for dressing); ½ red chilli, thinly sliced (for dressing); Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped (for dressing); 2 teaspoons fish sauce, to taste (for dressing); 1 teaspoon light brown sugar (for dressing); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)

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Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps are a light, spicy, and flavorful dish perfect for serving as an appetizer, party food, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With tender minced beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and chili, then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this dish combines fresh textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. The balance of spicy beef, zesty lime, and aromatic herbs makes it irresistibly delicious. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional wraps and can easily be customized to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon mild olive oil, for frying
400 g lean beef mince
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, for frying
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5 cm piece of root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1–2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
Zest of 1 lime plus juice of half
3 spring onions, chopped
2 little gem lettuces, separated into leaves, for serving

For the dressing:

1 tablespoon soy sauce
Juice of ½ lime
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ red chilli, thinly sliced
Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped
2 teaspoons fish sauce, to taste
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Place the minced beef in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Fry the mince for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned, crisp, and finely crumbled.
Drain the cooked mince using a sieve to remove excess fat. Set aside.
Wipe the pan clean and add the toasted sesame oil. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and chili. Fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add a pinch of salt and the brown sugar, stirring to combine.
Return the drained mince to the pan and stir well.
Add the fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and heat through.
Stir in the chopped spring onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
In a small bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, place spoonfuls of the beef mixture into lettuce leaves, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace the beef with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of chili or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Extra Crunch: Add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or cucumber strips.
Herb Boost: Add fresh mint or basil along with the coriander for an aromatic twist.
Sweet & Sour Touch: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a dash of honey to the dressing for added balance.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes before serving. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and refrigerate them in a sealed bag lined with paper towels to maintain crispness. The dressing can be refrigerated in a small jar for up to 3 days; stir before using.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef mixture and prepare the dressing in advance. Store them separately and assemble the wraps just before serving.

2. What kind of lettuce works best for wraps?

Little gem or butter lettuce is ideal because the leaves are sturdy yet tender, perfect for wrapping.

3. Can I make this recipe without fish sauce?

Yes, replace it with extra soy sauce and a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar for a similar umami flavor.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.

5. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey makes a great lean alternative and absorbs the flavors well.

6. How do I keep the lettuce from tearing?

Rinse and dry the leaves gently, and avoid overfilling each wrap to keep them intact.

7. What can I serve with these wraps?

They pair well with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light noodle salad.

8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

9. Can I serve these cold?

Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them great for picnics or meal prep.

10. How can I make this dish lower in sugar?

Simply reduce or omit the brown sugar; the lime and chili will still keep it flavorful.

Conclusion

Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together spicy, tangy, and savory elements in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, these wraps are quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for entertaining or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is a simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your table.