Zesty Asian Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of East by Northeast in Montauk, NY, this recipe brings the deliciousness of spicy beef lettuce wraps right to your kitchen. With a combination of savory ground beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and aromatic spices, these Zesty Asian Beef Lettuce Cups are not only quick to prepare but also offer a refreshing, low-carb option for a meal or party appetizer. The use of fresh lettuce adds a crisp texture, while the addition of a sweet soy dipping sauce elevates each bite into a delightful culinary experience.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
minced garlic cloves
2 (minced)
sherry wine
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
thai chili paste (sambal oelek)
1 teaspoon (none)
Chinese five spice powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
green onions
1 bunch (white parts chopped, green parts cut on bias in 1/4-inch lengths)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and coarsely chopped)
jalapeno chile
1 (seeded, deveined and minced)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water)
bibb lettuce or butter lettuce
2 heads (separated into leaves)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying a large, heavy skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
2
Once the skillet is hot, add the lean ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3
Now, add the minced garlic, sherry wine, soy sauce, dark sesame oil, Thai chili paste, Chinese five spice powder, and the white parts of the green onions into the beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Next, stir in the coarsely chopped water chestnuts and minced jalapeno chile. This will add a delightful crunch and a hint of heat to the dish.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the beef mixture while continuously stirring until it thickens slightly.
7
Finally, gently fold in the green parts of the green onions, cooking just until heated through, being careful not to overcook them to maintain their vibrant color.
8
While the beef mixture is finishing, separate the lettuce leaves, wash them gently, and pat them dry.
9
Arrange the lettuce cups on a large platter and serve with the hot beef mixture in the center.
10
Don’t forget to offer my Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce (#144178) on the side for a perfect finish to your wraps!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Asian Beef Lettuce Cups?
They are a savory and refreshing dish featuring ground beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and aromatic spices served in crisp lettuce leaves.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the vibrant flavors found at East by Northeast in Montauk, NY.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, these lettuce cups are a delicious and refreshing low-carb option for a meal or appetizer.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
What kind of meat is used in these wraps?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What type of lettuce is best for these cups?
Bibb lettuce or butter lettuce are the recommended choices for their leaf structure.
How should I prepare the lettuce?
Separate the lettuce leaves, wash them gently, and pat them dry before serving.
What aromatics are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with minced garlic, green onions, and jalapeno chile.
What gives the beef its Asian flavor profile?
The flavors come from a mix of soy sauce, sherry wine, dark sesame oil, Thai chili paste, and Chinese five spice powder.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a zesty kick thanks to the Thai chili paste (sambal oelek) and a minced jalapeno chile.
How do I use the green onions in this recipe?
The white parts are simmered with the beef for flavor, while the green parts are folded in at the end to maintain their color.
What is the purpose of water chestnuts in this dish?
Water chestnuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the savory beef.
How do I thicken the beef mixture sauce?
A slurry made of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water is stirred into the mixture to thicken it.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What heat setting should I use to brown the beef?
Use a medium-high heat setting in a large, heavy skillet.
Should I drain the beef after cooking?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after the ground beef has browned.
How should the jalapeno be prepared?
The jalapeno should be seeded, deveined, and minced before being added to the mixture.
What is the best way to serve these lettuce cups?
Arrange the prepared lettuce cups on a large platter with the hot beef mixture in the center.
Is there a recommended dipping sauce for this recipe?
Yes, it is recommended to serve these with a Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce on the side.
Can I use these as a party appetizer?
Absolutely, they work great as both a quick meal and a refreshing party appetizer.
What is the texture of the finished beef mixture?
The mixture is savory and slightly thickened, with crunch from the water chestnuts and freshness from the green onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total including the lettuce and the cornstarch slurry.
What is sambal oelek?
It is a Thai chili paste used in this recipe to add heat and depth of flavor.
How should the green parts of the onions be cut?
They should be cut on a bias in 1/4-inch lengths.
What should I do to keep the green onions vibrant?
Fold them in at the very end and cook only until they are heated through.
Can I use regular sesame oil instead of dark sesame oil?
Dark sesame oil is preferred for its deep, toasted flavor, but regular sesame oil can be used in a pinch.
Is the dish quick to prepare?
Yes, with a 10-minute simmer time and quick browning, it is designed to be a fast meal.
What can I substitute for sherry wine?
Dry white wine or rice wine can be used as a substitute for sherry wine.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The nutritional data for calories is not specified in the provided recipe details.
What makes the beef 'zesty'?
The combination of garlic, chili paste, jalapeno, and Chinese five spice powder provides the zesty flavor profile.