Curried Beef Lettuce Cups



Curried Beef Lettuce Wraps

Has it been a crazy busy day?  Then Curried Beef Lettuce Cups is just the recipe you need to add some peace and calm to your dinner time.  Incorporating Asian and Indian cuisines, Curried Beef Lettuce Cups pack a flavor punch from browned ground beef seasoned with garlic, fresh ginger root, serrano chilies, and slighty sweet and spicy curry powder.  The bright flavors of chopped fresh mint and basil and a squeeze of lemon juice further heighten the flavor of the dish.  Sweet, nutty, and mild Boston Bibb lettuce cups cradle the curried meat making the buttery and crispy lettuce an ideal accompaniment to the spicy meat.

Curried Beef Lettuce Cups is a flavorful entree that can be prepared in about 20 minutes.  Or better yet, make it a do-it-ahead meal and prepare it in the morning or even the day before.  A quick reheat in the microwave or on the stove top is all that is needed before you sit down at the dinner table to enjoy your home cooked meal.

Curried Beef Lettuce Cups

adapted from this recipe

serves 4

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 (1 - inch) piece ginger root, chopped

2 serrano chilies, remove half the seeds and chop chilies

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 lemon, juiced

2 heads Boston bibb lettuce

1/2 red pepper, diced

In a large saute pan, heat oils over medium high heat and add onion, garlic, ginger root, and serrano chilies.  Saute for about 5 - 7 minutes or until the onions are translucent.

Add the ground beef and continue cooking until browned, about 5 - 6 minutes.  Stir frequently and break up and any large pieces of meat.  When browned, pour off any grease.  Add soy sauce and curry powder and stir to combine.  Cook for 3 - 4 minutes so the seasonings cook into the beef.

Meanwhile, separate the leaves of the lettuce to form cups.  Wash and dry thoroughly.

Stir the mint, basil and lemon juice into the cooked meat.  Spoon seasoned meat mixture into lettuce cups and top with the chopped red pepper.