Keto Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Lettuce Bowls (No Rice) are a low-carb dinner made with savory ground beef cooked in a sweet-and-savory soy garlic sauce. Served in fresh lettuce cups instead of rice, this easy keto recipe delivers bold Korean-style flavor in under 30 minutes.
About This Recipe
Keto Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Lettuce Bowls (No Rice) are a low-carb twist on classic Korean-style beef bowls. Instead of serving the beef over rice, this version keeps things keto-friendly by pairing the savory meat with crisp lettuce cups that add freshness and crunch.
The ground beef is cooked until deeply browned, then coated in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a keto-friendly sweetener. This creates the signature sweet-and-savory flavor profile without sugar or starch. Ginger and sesame seeds add depth and authenticity while keeping the ingredient list simple.
This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The beef stays juicy and reheats well, while the lettuce keeps each serving light and fresh.
Keto Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Lettuce Bowls are perfect for anyone craving bold Asian-inspired flavors without breaking keto macros. Serve them family-style or portioned into individual bowls for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Korean-inspired flavor
- No rice or noodles
- Keto and low carb friendly
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- One-skillet recipe
- Great for meal prep
- Fresh and satisfying
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 heads butter lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, keto-friendly sweetener, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Stir in sesame seeds.
- Spoon beef mixture into butter lettuce cups.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~490
- Fat: ~36 g
- Protein: ~32 g
- Net Carbs: ~5 g
FAQ
- Is this spicy?
Only mildly. Add more red pepper flakes if desired. - Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but beef provides the best flavor. - Does this reheat well?
Yes, reheat the beef separately and add fresh lettuce. - Can I meal prep this?
Yes, store beef and lettuce separately.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add sliced green onions
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
- Add a splash of beef broth if needed
- Increase sesame oil for stronger flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Serve family-style with lettuce cups
- Add sliced cucumbers on the side
- Pair with a simple keto slaw
Keto Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Lettuce Bowls (No Rice)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 heads butter lettuce (leaves separated)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, keto-friendly sweetener, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Stir in sesame seeds.
- Spoon beef mixture into butter lettuce cups.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
Try these next:
- Low-Carb Thai Larb Salad (Spicy Minced Chicken)
- Keto Spicy Beef Bulgogi Bowl (Low Carb Korean Style)
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