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)

Description

Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, spicy, and flavorful dish featuring seasoned minced beef served in crisp lettuce cups, finished with a zesty dressing. Ideal as an appetizer, party dish, or light dinner.

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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Instructions

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Place minced beef in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and mix.
Fry the beef for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy. Drain using a sieve and set aside.
Wipe the pan and add toasted sesame oil. Add garlic, ginger, and chili, and fry for 2 minutes.
Add a pinch of salt and brown sugar, then return the beef to the pan and mix.
Stir in fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Heat through thoroughly.
Stir in spring onions and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients and adjust to taste.
To serve, spoon beef mixture into lettuce leaves and drizzle with dressing.
Serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

Use little gem or butter lettuce for sturdy, tender leaves.
Adjust chili quantity to control the heat level.
Keep lettuce leaves dry and separate until serving to maintain crunch.
Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Great served warm or cold, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 55mg