Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp ginger; grated
• 1/2 cup carrots; chopped
• 1 small onion; chopped
• 1 clove garlic; finely minced
• 1 small zucchini; chopped
• 1 can water chestnuts; diced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (saue)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (saue)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (saue)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (saue)
• 1/2 tsp chili paste (saue)
• 1 clove garlic; finely minced (saue)
• 1/2 tsp ginger; finely minced (saue)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock (saue)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (saue)
• 2 tbsp cold water (saue)
• salt and pepper to taste (saue)
• 4-6 lettuce leaves (saue)
• 1 tbsp toasted cashews, peanuts or walnuts; chopped (saue)
• 2 tbsp green onion; diced (saue)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (saue)

Directions

1. In a large dutch oven or skillet over medium high heat add sesame oil. Brown the beef and use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan. Set aside.
2. In sauce pan over medium-high heat, add sauce ingredients minus cornstarch and cold water; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
3. Meanwhile, add onion, carrots and water chestnuts to Dutch oven or skillet, sautéing until tender. Add ginger and garlic until fragrant. Mix the beef back in and add the sauce.
4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water. Pour over beef filling and stir frequently until thickened.
5. Serve with lettuce leaves; topped with sticky rice. Garnish with Sesame seeds, toasted nuts and green onion.