Paleo Pumpkin Seed Crunch Grass-Fed Beef Lettuce Cups
These lettuce cups deliver bold, satisfying flavor without a single grain, legume, or processed ingredient in sight. The filling comes together in one skillet — grass-fed ground beef and finely diced zucchini get coated in a savory-tangy sauce made from coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar, with fresh ginger and turmeric adding warmth and depth. Butter lettuce leaves stand in as the perfect natural wrap, crisp and cool against the fragrant, saucy beef. The real finishing touch is the toasted pumpkin seed crunch on top — just pepitas and sea salt, toasted until golden and popping, adding a nutty bite that makes every cup feel complete. Coconut aminos do the heavy lifting where soy sauce would normally go, bringing that umami richness without any soy or added sugar. A squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh cilantro at the end brighten everything up and make the whole dish feel fresh and vibrant. This is the kind of weeknight meal that proves eating this way never has to feel like 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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