Cashew Free Pumpkin Seed Crunch Grass-Fed Beef Lettuce Cups
These lettuce cups are a serious weeknight win — savory, a little tangy, and packed with texture in every single bite. The grass-fed beef gets cooked down with fresh ginger, turmeric, coconut aminos, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, creating a deeply fragrant filling that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Diced zucchini adds a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the beef, while crisp butter lettuce leaves do double duty as both vessel and crunch. The real star, though, is the toasted pumpkin seed crunch on top — golden, salty, and satisfying in a way that makes you forget you're not reaching for a nut-based topping. For anyone navigating cashew-free eating, tree nut toppings can be a minefield in Asian-inspired dishes, but pepitas deliver that same irresistible crunch without any of the worry. A squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh cilantro at the end tie everything together beautifully. This one is the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making on repeat.
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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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