Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
4
servings
1 lb

lean ground beef

2 cloves

garlic

minced

1 tbsp

sherry wine

3 tbsp

soy sauce

1 tbsp

dark sesame oil

1 tsp

thai chili paste

0.5 tsp

Chinese five spice powder

1 bunch

green onion

chopped

8 ounce

water chestnuts

coarsely chopped

1 piece

jalapeno chile

seeded, deveined and minced

1 tsp

cornstarch

1 tbsp

cold water

2 heads

bibb lettuce

separated

Step 1
~3 min

Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Step 2
~3 min

Brown the ground beef in the skillet, drain any excess fat.

Step 3
~3 min

Add minced garlic, sherry wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, five-spice powder, and the white part of the green onions to the skillet.

Step 4
~3 min

Add water chestnuts and minced jalapeno chile to the skillet.

Step 5
~3 min

Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6
~3 min

Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.

Step 7
~3 min

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the beef mixture and stir until it thickens slightly.

Step 8
~3 min

Add the green part of the green onions and cook until heated through, being careful not to overcook them.

Step 9
~3 min

Separate lettuce leaves, wash, and pat dry.

Step 10
~3 min

Arrange lettuce cups on a platter.

Step 11
~3 min

Spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce cups.

Step 12
~3 min

Serve immediately, accompanied by sweet soy dipping sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the amount of chili paste to control the level of spiciness.

Serve with a side of steamed rice for a heartier meal.

Add other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Beef mixture can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sweet soy dipping sauce

Garnish with sesame seeds

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Spring Rolls
Egg Drop Soup

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

China

Cultural Significance

Lettuce wraps are common appetizers in Chinese cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Chinese New Year
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Party Appetizer
Game Day

Popularity Score

80/100

More Chinese Lunch/Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Chinese Lunch/Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Chinese
Medium
A

Vegetable Moo Shu Wraps

4.3
(317 reviews)

Delicious and healthy Vegetable Moo Shu Wraps filled with colorful stir-fried vegetables and served with warm pancakes and hoisin sauce.

40 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Vegan (if using vegetable broth and agave instead of honey)
85%
75
Chinese
Medium
A-

Chinese Bang Bang Chicken

4.1
(579 reviews)

A cold Chinese chicken dish with a spicy sesame dressing, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

75 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
65%
75
Chinese
Medium
A-

Gong Bao Tofu

4.1
(1798 reviews)

A flavorful and protein-rich Chinese dish featuring tofu, vegetables, peanuts, and a spicy Kung Pao sauce, served with rice.

50 min
450 cal
High Protein
Vegetarian
75%
80
Chinese
Hard
A-

Boiled Garlic Chive Dumplings In Cold Water Dough

4.0
(1382 reviews)

Delicious boiled garlic chive dumplings made with a cold water dough, perfect for a savory and comforting meal.

90 min
350 cal
Vegetarian (Ovo)
Pescatarian
65%
75
Chinese
Medium
A

Chinese Style Stir-Fried Water Chestnut with Vegetables

4.5
(1894 reviews)

A quick and easy Chinese stir-fry featuring water chestnuts and a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

55 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Vegan
70%
65
Chinese
Medium
C+

Egg Foo Young Recipe

4.1
(240 reviews)

A classic Egg Foo Young recipe with pork, bean sprouts, and onions.

20 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free (if gluten-free soy sauce is used)
75%
65
Chinese
Medium
A

Basic Lomein

4.0
(251 reviews)

A simple and delicious lo mein recipe featuring pork and a variety of vegetables.

30 min
400 cal
Pescatarian (if using seafood)
60%
70
Chinese
Easy
C+

Pork Slice and Cabbage Soup

4.3
(1932 reviews)

A simple and comforting pork and cabbage soup, perfect for a quick and easy meal.

35 min
250 cal
60%
65