Citrus Free Beef & Zucchini Lettuce Bowl with Coconut Aminos
Savory, fresh, and satisfying in every bite, this lettuce bowl delivers bold flavor without a drop of citrus anywhere in the recipe. Coconut aminos step in as the umami backbone of the sauce, bringing that deep, slightly sweet soy-like richness that ties everything together — no orange juice, no lime, no lemon needed. Apple cider vinegar adds just enough brightness to balance the beef, while cumin and red pepper flakes give the whole filling a warm, subtly spiced kick. The zucchini and carrot cook down into the ground beef beautifully, adding texture and color without competing with the savory sauce. Butter lettuce cups make the perfect edible vessel — cool and crisp against the glossy, fragrant filling — and the whole thing comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. A drizzle of sesame oil and a handful of fresh cilantro at the end elevate it from weeknight dinner to something that genuinely feels special. If you've been navigating menus and ingredient labels trying to avoid citrus, this one is a reliable, crave-worthy go-to you'll want to make on repeat.
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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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