Barley Free Beef & Zucchini Lettuce Bowl with Coconut Aminos
Crisp butter lettuce cups piled high with savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet carrot — this is the kind of bowl that looks impressive but comes together in one skillet with minimal fuss. The sauce is where the magic happens: coconut aminos stand in for traditional soy sauce, delivering that deep, slightly sweet umami punch without any grain-based ingredients that could be a concern. It's a smart swap that works beautifully here, especially since so many bottled sauces and condiments quietly contain barley-derived ingredients like malt vinegar or barley malt extract. Apple cider vinegar, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes round out the sauce with brightness and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Fresh ginger and garlic bloom in the hot skillet before the beef goes in, building a fragrant base that makes the whole dish smell incredible. Finished with scallion greens, cilantro, and an optional drizzle of sesame oil, each lettuce cup is a little bundle of bold, clean flavor. It's light enough to feel fresh but satisfying enough to call dinner.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the filling
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For serving
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, stir together the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the scallion whites, carrot, and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just softened, about 4–5 minutes.
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