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Vietnamese beef lettuce wraps with ground beef and cilantro served with dipping sauce and iced tea.

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps are a light, fresh, and healthy dinner idea made with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce leaves, and fragrant herbs. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or fun family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small piece ginger 2 cm, grated
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium if preferred
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp chili paste optional, for spice
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine/iceberg, leaves separated
  • Fresh herbs: cilantro mint, Thai basil
  • 1 small red chili sliced (optional garnish)
  • 2 tbsp crushed peanuts optional topping

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce and herbs – Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Rinse herbs and keep them whole. Set aside.
  2. Cook the beef – Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add seasonings – Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–6 minutes). Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste. Cook for another 2 minutes until flavors blend.
  4. Assemble wraps – Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with fresh herbs, sliced chili, and crushed peanuts if using.
  5. Serve immediately – Pair with dipping sauce (soy sauce + lime + a touch of chili) and enjoy!