Honey Free Turmeric Ginger Beef Lettuce Cups
These vibrant lettuce cups pack a serious punch of flavor from fresh turmeric, ginger, and a warm blend of cumin, coriander, and cayenne — all without a drop of sweetener in sight. Many Asian-inspired sauces and marinades lean heavily on honey or other sweeteners for balance, but here coconut aminos and a squeeze of fresh lime juice do all that work beautifully. The result is a savory, slightly tangy beef filling that feels bright and complex rather than flat. Crisp butter lettuce leaves act as the perfect edible vessel, and the shredded carrots and fresh cilantro on top add color and crunch in every bite. Cooking the grated turmeric and ginger directly in hot coconut oil before the beef goes in is a small step that makes a huge difference — it blooms the aromatics and builds a deeply fragrant base. This is the kind of weeknight meal that looks impressive on a platter but comes together in a single skillet with minimal fuss. Serve everything family-style with lime wedges and let everyone build their own cups at the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the beef
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp fresh turmeric, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
For serving
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Separate the butter lettuce into individual cup-shaped leaves and arrange on a large platter. Set out the shredded carrots, cilantro, and lime wedges alongside.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and the oil coats the pan.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!