Gelatin Free Beef & Zucchini Lettuce Bowl with Coconut Aminos
Crisp butter lettuce cups loaded with savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and sweet carrot make for a meal that feels fresh and satisfying all at once. The sauce is where the magic happens — coconut aminos bring that deep, soy-sauce-like richness without any of the additives you'd find in conventional bottled sauces, and a splash of apple cider vinegar keeps everything bright and balanced. Ginger and garlic bloom right in the pan, layering in warmth that makes the whole filling smell incredible while it cooks. For anyone avoiding gelatin, this recipe is naturally in the clear — every component is whole-food and straightforward, with no hidden thickeners or stabilizers to second-guess. The lettuce cups do double duty as both vessel and crunch, and a handful of fresh cilantro on top pulls the whole bowl together. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that looks impressive but comes together in one skillet with minimal fuss.
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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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