Gusto TV Ground Lamb Lettuce Wraps – Easy Asian-Inspired Recipe

Ground Lamb Lettuce Wraps

These Ground Lamb Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together juicy, spiced lamb, fresh herbs, and crisp lettuce for a fun, interactive meal. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or light, healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor.

The combination of ground lamb, bird’s eye chilies, lime zest, and fresh herbs creates a bold flavor profile that’s both aromatic and refreshing. Paired with crisp Boston lettuce and crunchy roasted peanuts, each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. These wraps are simple, colorful, and perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort.

The Inspiration

Lettuce wraps are a versatile and popular dish across many cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Traditionally, they allow diners to enjoy protein-packed fillings in a low-carb, hand-held format.

In this version, the host, Vanessa Gianfrancesco elevates the classic lettuce wrap by using ground lamb for a rich, savory flavor, accented with aromatics like shallots, garlic, and fresh chilies. A touch of brown sugar balances the heat, while lime zest and fresh herbs brighten the dish.

Viewers will love this recipe because it’s fast, fun, and customizable. Guests can build their own wraps, making it perfect for interactive dining or casual entertaining. The recipe’s mix of textures, from tender lamb to crunchy peanuts always ensures every bite is exciting and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground lamb (substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken for variation)
3 tbsp (44 ml) canola oil (or olive oil)
2 shallots, sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 green bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste; red chilies work too)
2 limes, zested and cut into wedges
1 small bunch cilantro, stems finely chopped, leaves reserved for garnish
2 tsp (8 ml) light brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
1 small cucumber, sliced thinly
1 small bunch mint leaves, roughly chopped
1 head Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1/3 cup (47 g) roasted peanuts, chopped
Salt, to taste

Methods

Remove cilantro stems and finely chop, reserving leaves for garnish.
Separate Boston lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Slice cucumber thinly.
In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add chilies and cilantro stems; cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
Add ground lamb and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in water, brown sugar, and lime zest. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Season with salt to taste.
Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon equal amounts of the lamb mixture into each leaf.
Garnish with cilantro leaves, mint, cucumber slices, and chopped peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Let everyone assemble their own wraps for an interactive dining experience.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Lamb Lettuce Wraps are ideal for:

Weeknight dinners
Brunch or lunch gatherings
Casual entertaining or potlucks

Pair with:

Light side salads with sesame or lime vinaigrette
Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal
Refreshing drinks like iced tea, sparkling water, or light white wine

These wraps also make a great appetizer for parties—guests can build their own wraps, making dining interactive and fun.

Final Thoughts

These Ground Lamb Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, fresh, and healthy dish that exemplifies Everyday Excellent’s approachable yet refined cooking style. Quick to prepare, interactive, and packed with bold flavors, they are perfect for home cooks looking to make something memorable with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or preparing a light, nutritious meal, these wraps deliver every time. The balance of juicy lamb, aromatic herbs, and crisp textures makes them stand out as a versatile dish for any occasion.

Explore more Everyday Excellent recipes, Asian-inspired dishes, and quick weeknight meals on Gusto TV for more inspiration.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!