I admit… I was torn to see school start this year. It felt like the summer just flew by. Maybe that is something all moms say once they have kids in school, but I truly feel like summer was gone in a blink.
As sad I am to see school back in session, I am truly excited to get back into a somewhat more manageable routine. We may have more things going on during the school year, but at least we are on somewhat of a schedule.
Along with that schedule comes the challenge of finding time to sit down to dinner as a family each evening. During the summer we would eat dinner early or eat late or eat out… we ate dinner together, but it varied greatly as far as times. Now with school getting out at 4pm, and after school activities starting soon after, I am hungrily looking for delicious recipes that can fit into our ever tight schedules.
I recently found this recipe for Asian Lettuce Wraps on another food blog and now I can’t find the blog. Luckily, I did a search on All Recipes and found the same recipe. (If I commented on this recipe on your blog, please let me know and I’ll link this back to you.) I love this recipe because it gives me something besides tacos and spaghetti to use ground beef with. It is a fun, hand held dinner and it can be made in a jiffy. With recipes like this in my repertoire, I feel like I can finally get into the groove of things!
Asian Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps, from Allrecipes
- 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Asian chile pepper sauce (optional)
- 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil
- Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not tear them. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef in 1 tablespoon of oil, stirring often and reducing the heat to medium, if necessary. Drain, and set aside to cool. Cook the onion in the same pan, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, vinegar, and chile pepper sauce to the onions, and stir. Stir in chopped water chestnuts, green onions, and sesame oil, and continue cooking until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter, and pile meat mixture in the center. To serve, allow each person to spoon a portion of the meat into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito, and enjoy!
Interested in other recipe versions of Lettuce Wraps? Check out what these food bloggers have to offer:
- Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps, from Picky Palate
- Quick Chinese Lettuce Wraps, from Chaos in the Kitchen
- Ginger Chicken Lettuce Wraps, from The Village Voice
- Five-Spice Turkey and Lettuce Wraps, from Culinary in the Desert
There is still some room for you in the Adopt-a-Blogger 2 event. Veteran’s especially… come on out and mentor a new blogger! Click here to sign up.
Mr. Right saw this one and marked it as a “Must Make.” It’s a good thing that I completely agree with him… 🙂
Shalees last blog post..Day In The Life Of An Unemployed Mom
excellent! This is wonderful site for busy kitchen designer who loves to cook but has no time! My kids even liked it! thank you!!!
in details last blog post..Splurge or Save on your Bathroom?
Kirsten, I just read your Mom’s blog and just wanted to say that I think she’s awesome for entering the blogging world! Her stories remind me so much of my Dad’s! He passed away last year but several years ago, after my oldest was born, he wrote an “autobiography” for all of us to have. I bet you’ll learn even more about your Mom through her wonderful memories!
the lettuce wraps looks really good. you are right..perfect for a work night/school night..
thank you so much for your comment on my blog regarding the corn story..i knew the recipe would raise some eyebrows..but, trust me..the cake is really good…try it..and let me know what you think..
best!
dianes last blog post..what do you do with fresh corn?
Yum! This looks so beyond good. Great photo!
Hot Garlics last blog post..Lemon Garlic Bechamel Vegetable Lasagna
I love lettuce wraps, these look great and easy enough! I think I actually have all the ingredients in my pantry to try this out! Thanks for the recipe!
Aggies last blog post..Food and Football!
Something weird is going on – I haven’t got your last 3 posts on my Google reader. Luckily I’m finding you on Food Gawker. I see the photo, can’t help but clicking over. I love lettuce wraps, and this one looks so good!
Deborahs last blog post..Frittata with Potato and Bacon
Ohh, that looks good. I already miss summer days. My alarm goes off every morning at 6:00. For the past few months the alarm would go off and I’d look toward light coming through our window… now it’s still dark out at 6:00. Oh, summer, why’d you have to go so fast?
The Cat’s Pajamass last blog post..Waiting Room
Thanks for the link! I have never had lettuce wraps with beef before, I will have to try it. My kids love them and they are such a cinch to make.
katies last blog post..Happy Birthday Mom! Loaded Carrot Cake
I LOVE THESE WRAPS!!! While my sister was visiting a few weeks ago, she introduced me to it for the first time! LOVE THEM!!!
Yum! Yum! Yum! to the lettuce wraps! School is already back in session? Before Labor Day!? That’s madness!
This sounds so good. A salad you can hold in your hand. A great idea.
Wow, this looks so good! I love how fresh lettuce wraps taste. Thanks for linking my recipe!!
Jennys last blog post..I’m in Pasta Heaven With This Dish!
Mmm, Asian Wraps are a perfect Summer meal.
peabodys last blog post..Come on baby, I’m taking you back to school…
Yum, this recipe looks simple and healthy! I’ll definitely try these out soon. I made lettuce wraps recently with leftover pulled pork topped with coleslaw, and now am a huge fan of all things wrapped in lettuce. 🙂 And, BTW, on your last post – meant to comment, but for some reason didn’t have a chance – I am defintiely in agreement with you on not handing down underwear. 🙂
Carmens last blog post..Tuesdays with Dorie – Granola Grabbers
I have got to start cooking some Asian food – these are such treats and I’m sure Joao would love them!
Patricia Scarpins last blog post..Pine nut-crusted cheese with roasted pepper
School’s back in session already!? Mine starts on Sept 3 – it’s funny, now that I work in a school, the end of summer rolls around and I feel like a whiny kid again… I don’t want summer to end! 😀
Robins last blog post..The star.
I can’t believe it’s back-to-school time already! You’re right- summer just flew by. These wraps look yummy, I make a vegetarian version with tofu that goes down pretty well.
rachels last blog post..Taste Travel
I love the idea of lettuce wraps–but I must confess they usually turn into salads around me. Somehow I always make a mess! But I am on the lookout for such recipes nonetheless since I have nothing against them in salad form. 🙂
Lauras last blog post..Pico De Gallo Made with 4 Colors of Tomatoes
seriously, lady! you know how to make a girl hungry! can’t wait to try this one! as always, great images.
heather morrows last blog post..Future Celebrity
La Rochefoucauld~ Nothing so much prevents our being natural as the desire to seem so.