Asian {Taco} Night ::: Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Think I am a bit Asian crazy lately?

Food that is…

I agree, it’s too much. I promise the next post will be something other than Asian, though I will be in Hong Kong for work next week … so maybe I shouldn’t promise!

Last week Peter and I had ground beef we needed to use. Since I have experimented with Asian sauces (here and here) I thought I’d try adding the mix to ground beef. I’ve found that depending on what you are in the mood for you can  just change-up the amount the recipe calls for of Hoisin, Sweet Chili, soy, garlic, and spice (red pepper flakes, cayenne, etc).

Beef Lettuce Wraps     serves 3-4, appetizer portion

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• Sweet & Spicy Sauce: Whisk together ingredients
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
• 1 red bell pepper (or 5 minis, any color) chopped
• Half a large onion chopped
• optional: 1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Powder (sooooooo good!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• {optional additions: chopped roasted cashews or water chestnuts}
• Full head of lettuce. Carefully pull apart leaves and wash

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high heat. Once pan is hot add beef and salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can add the optional 5 spice powder if you have it. I highly suggest it this, it is just plain addictive. (also used in this recipe)

Brown ground beef until no longer pink, adding in onion and peppers (and any additions) after about 5 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain. Add Sweet & Spicy Sauce, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until mixture becomes thick. Add any ingredients from the Sweet & Spicy Sauce to taste.

Serve with lettuce.

And you just might kiss taco night goodbye for the week.

::: keelymarie :::

*** Big thanks to Leslie of www.lesliedulfer.com for creating my photography wordmark/logo seen above. If you need any logo design for yourself or your company she is fantastic and fun to work with!