Dairy Free Beef & Zucchini Lettuce Bowl with Coconut Aminos
Crisp butter lettuce cups loaded with savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet carrot — this is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels fresh and exciting without requiring much effort at all. The sauce is where the magic happens: coconut aminos bring that deep, soy-sauce-like umami without any dairy or gluten concerns, balanced by a splash of apple cider vinegar and a warm hit of cumin and red pepper flakes. Cooking with dairy-free ingredients doesn't mean sacrificing richness here — coconut oil gives the filling a subtle depth, and the glossy sauce coats every bite beautifully. Ginger and garlic bloom in the center of the pan before folding into the beef, building layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. The whole thing comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner. Spoon it into those cool, cupped butter lettuce leaves, scatter on fresh cilantro and scallion greens, and if you're using the sesame oil drizzle — don't skip it. It's light, satisfying, and genuinely fun to eat.
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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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