Szechuan Peppercorn Beef Lettuce Wraps — a fiery, tingly twist on your usual lettuce wrap 🥬🔥🥩 Bold, numbing Szechuan peppercorns meet savory beef, crispy veggies, and a punchy sauce for an addictive bite that hits every flavor note: spicy, salty, slightly sweet, and citrusy cool. It’s street food vibes with a peppery punch.
🌶️ Szechuan Peppercorn Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, lightly toasted and crushed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Optional: 1 tsp chili garlic paste or doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
For the Wraps:
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Julienned carrots
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Optional Spicy Sauce (Drizzle):
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp chili oil
- Dash of sesame oil
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Toast the Peppercorns:
- Toast in a dry skillet until fragrant (1–2 min). Crush lightly with a mortar or spice grinder.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add garlic, ginger, and crushed peppercorns.
- Add ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional chili paste.
- Simmer until saucy and flavorful. Stir in green onions at the end.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Spoon beef mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Top with carrots, cucumber, peanuts, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with spicy sauce if using. Serve with lime wedges.
🛎️ Serving Ideas:
- Great as a shared appetizer or light main.
- Serve with jasmine rice on the side or wrapped into rice paper for a different twist.
💡 Pro Tips:
- Szechuan peppercorns = citrusy tingle, not just heat. Toasting brings out the magic.
- Want extra crispy beef? Cook longer before adding sauce to caramelize.
Want a mouthwatering photo with glossy beef and vibrant toppings? I can whip one up! Or if you’re posting it, I can help with a caption that makes it pop. Just say the word!
