This meal consists of ground beef seasoned with a sugar-free teriyaki sauce and served inside fresh lettuce leaves. The beef is prepared with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to create a savory profile without the use of traditional sugar-based glazes. Topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, these lettuce cups serve as a handheld low-carb option for lunch or dinner.

About This Recipe

The preparation starts by heating olive oil or coconut oil in a skillet and sautéing minced garlic before adding the ground beef. The meat is cooked over medium-high heat and broken into small pieces as it browns in the pan. Once the beef is no longer pink, a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, powdered erythritol, and ground ginger is stirred into the skillet. The heat is maintained for several minutes to allow the liquids to bubble and combine with the meat, resulting in a coating that covers the beef.

The ingredients are handled to ensure the sauce thickens during the simmering stage. The lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, are washed and dried before being used as the base for the beef mixture. Each leaf is filled with a portion of the seasoned meat, followed by the addition of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The construction of the dish relies on the structural integrity of the lettuce leaves to hold the weight of the cooked beef and the accompanying sauce.

The recipe can be modified by substituting the ground beef with ground chicken or pork, depending on the preferred protein. The meat mixture can be stored in the refrigerator separately from the lettuce to prevent the leaves from losing their shape before the meal is eaten. For serving, the cups are arranged on a plate and can be paired with avocado slices or a side of sesame-seasoned vegetables. Each step of the process is designed to assemble the components while keeping the ingredients separate until the point of assembly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes
Sweet & savory flavor with zero added sugar
Crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tortillas
Perfect for meal prep or quick lunch

What You’ll Need for This Keto Teriyaki Beef Lettuce Cups

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp powdered erythritol (or monk fruit)
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
8 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves
Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, erythritol, and ginger.
Let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Spoon beef mixture into lettuce cups.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use chicken or pork instead?
Yes, ground chicken or pork both work perfectly with this teriyaki sauce.
How do I meal prep these?
Keep the beef and lettuce separate. Reheat the beef and fill cups just before serving.
Can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
What lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce for soft wraps, romaine for extra crunch.

Variations & Substitutions

Add diced avocado for creaminess
Use toasted almonds or crushed peanuts for texture
Try cauliflower rice for a bowl version
Swap erythritol for allulose for a smoother glaze

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a small side of keto cucumber salad or zoodles tossed in sesame oil for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

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