Black Pepper Beef Lettuce Boats
Looking for a meal that’s both flavorful and healthy? These Black Pepper Beef Lettuce Boats are the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh, making them an excellent option for a light yet satisfying meal. Packed with marinated beef, vibrant veggies, and a punchy black pepper sauce, these lettuce boats are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. This recipe is super easy and absolutely worth your time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavors: The combination of marinated beef with a rich black pepper sauce ensures every bite is full of robust flavors.
Healthy & Light: Served in butter lettuce leaves, this dish is low in carbs but high in taste, making it perfect for those looking for a lighter meal option.
Customizable: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping soy sauce with coconut aminos, and adjust the spice level to your liking with extra chili crisp oil.
Ingredients
For the Marinated Beef:
Flank, skirt, or flatiron steak
¼ cup Chinese black vinegar or Ponzu
2 tbsp soy sauce
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp Stevia brown sugar
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
¼ cup chili crisp oil
¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Onion powder (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
For the Stir Fry:
Avocado oil (for cooking)
Fresh garlic (minced)
Shallots (finely diced)
Onion (thinly sliced)
Red bell peppers (thinly sliced)
Butter lettuce wraps (for serving)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by slicing the steak into thin strips.
In a bowl, combine the Chinese black vinegar or Ponzu, soy sauce, salt, and Stevia brown sugar.
Toss the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chili crisp oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Adjust the seasoning to taste and set the sauce aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
Add the diced shallots and stir-fry until aromatic.
Introduce the thinly sliced onions and red bell peppers, cooking until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.
Add the minced garlic last to avoid burning. Remove the stir-fried veggies from the wok and set them aside.
4. Sear the Marinated Beef:
In the same wok, add a bit more avocado oil if needed.
Sear the marinated beef strips over high heat until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Once the beef is cooked, reintroduce the stir-fried vegetables to the wok.
5. Infuse with Black Pepper Sauce:
Pour the prepared black pepper sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Toss everything together, ensuring that the beef and veggies are evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Spoon the black pepper beef mixture into butter lettuce leaves for a light and crunchy wrap.
Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of chili crisp oil, if desired.
Alternatively, serve over cauliflower rice for a heartier option.
Tips for Success
Marination Time: Don’t rush the marination process. Letting the beef sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes ensures that the meat absorbs all the flavors.
High Heat Searing: Searing the beef at high heat locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Vegetable Crunch: Cook the vegetables until just tender-crisp for a satisfying texture that contrasts nicely with the tender beef.
Conclusion
These Black Pepper Beef Lettuce Boats are a deliciously fresh take on a classic stir-fry. The combination of tender marinated beef, crisp vegetables, and a punchy black pepper sauce all wrapped up in refreshing butter lettuce makes for a dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is as versatile as it is tasty.
For more recipes and nutrition tips, head over to KevTheDietitian.com. Explore how you can enjoy healthy, flavorful meals that satisfy both your palate and your dietary goals!
