Nutmeg Free Beef & Zucchini Lettuce Bowl with Coconut Aminos
Crispy-edged ground beef tucked into cool, tender butter lettuce cups is one of those meals that feels both light and deeply satisfying at the same time. The filling gets serious depth from fresh ginger, garlic, and a punchy sauce built on coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar — no soy, no mystery seasonings, just clean, bold flavor. Finely diced zucchini and carrot cook right into the beef, adding texture and a little sweetness that balances the heat from the red pepper flakes. Coconut aminos are the real workhorse here, delivering that savory, slightly sweet umami hit without any of the additives that can sneak into conventional sauces and spice blends. For anyone avoiding warm baking spices like nutmeg, this recipe is a natural fit — the seasoning leans on cumin, ginger, and fresh aromatics instead, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess. A scatter of cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil finish each cup with brightness and a faint nuttiness that ties everything together. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that looks impressive on the table but comes together in a single skillet.
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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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