Beef Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are an incredibly easy way to put a meal together.  Plus, if you are eating gluten free, then this recipe is right up your alley.  This is definitely a 30 minute meal from start to sitting down at the table.  With busy lives, you need some of these quick and simple meals on hand that you can execute with ease. 

1 lb. Organic Ground Beef (I used the Organic pkgs from Costco, which are closer to 1 1/3 lbs)

2 Tablespoons Liquid Aminos -AWESOME alternative to traditional soy sauce (your choice of soy sauce would work as well)
1/2 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
1/2 Tablespoon Agave Nectar
1 Tablespoon Coconut Sugar (regular brown sugar would work too)
1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Garlic
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
1 Cup Carrot Ribbons
1/4 Cup Mint Leaves, minced
1/3 Cup Cilantro Leaves, minced
1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds, toasted if desired
1/2 lb Gluten Free Noodles (I got mine at Trader Joe's)
1 Romaine Heart, separated and rinsed
Teriyaki Sauce, optional


1) Brown the meat over medium high heat in sesame oil.  When the pink is nearly gone, add in the ginger, salt, garlic, pepper, agave, coconut sugar, and the Liquid Aminos.  Simmer beef with lid partially off for 20-25 minutes.

2) Cook the noodles according to the package directions.  Strain in cool water and set aside.

3) While the meat and noodles are cooking, peel the carrots ribbons, chop the herbs, and toast the sesame seeds in a small saute pan for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown (if desired).  Also get the lettuce ready by rinsing with cool water and separating the leaves.

4) When the meat has finished cooking, assemble the wraps by first adding the noodles, then carrots, beef, herbs and then finish off with a sprinkle of the sesame seeds.  You may drizzle your favorite Teriyaki sauce on top or leave as is!  They are a bit messy using Romaine leaves since they are not as big as Iceberg leaves.  We ate these more taco-like with the sides folded together.  You can easily make this into a simple salad but chopping the lettuce and piling all of the ingredients together.  Add chopped almonds for added crunch!