Capsaicin Free Pumpkin Seed Crunch Grass-Fed Beef Lettuce Cups
These lettuce cups deliver bold, satisfying flavor without a single source of heat — no chili flakes, no hot sauce, no capsaicin anywhere in sight. The filling is built on grass-fed ground beef seasoned with fresh ginger, turmeric, and coconut aminos, giving it a savory-umami depth that feels anything but plain. Diced zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and body to the mixture, while a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up at the end. The real finishing touch is the toasted pumpkin seed crunch — just pepitas and sea salt, popped in a dry skillet until golden — which adds a nutty, satisfying texture on top of every cup. Crisp butter lettuce leaves keep things light and fresh, making this a meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. For anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors but needs to avoid the burn that usually comes with them, this recipe is a genuinely exciting find. Squeeze a little lime over the top and you have something that tastes like it came from a restaurant, not a compromise.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pumpkin seed crunch
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
For the beef
- 2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
- 2 green onions (green tops only), thinly sliced
For serving
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Remove from heat, toss with 1/4 tsp sea salt, and set aside.
- 2
Heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 3 minutes.
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