Beef Mince Lettuce Cups

Beef mince lettuce cups make the perfect weeknight meal—ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavour.

At a glance

20 minutes
4 people

Ingredients

  • 500g lean beef mince
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 long red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
  • 2 makrut lime leaves, very finely shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tsp caster sugar
  • baby cos lettuce leaves, to serve
  • prawn crackers and lime wedges, to serve

Method

  1. Heat half the oil in a large wok or non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add half the beef mince and cook for 1–2 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Add the red onion, capsicum, herbs, chilli, lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce and sugar to the bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat the beef with the dressing.
  4. Serve spooned into crisp baby cos leaves, with prawn crackers and lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

  • Beef stir-fry strips can be used instead of mince—just slice them finely.
  • Adjust the balance of hot, sour, salty and sweet to suit your taste by tweaking the chilli, lime juice, fish sauce or sugar.
  • Add thinly sliced cucumber or snow peas for extra crunch.
  • Pile the salad over jasmine or brown rice for a more filling option.

 

Original Recipe – Australian Beef