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Firecracker Beef Lettuce Cups

Firecracker Beef Lettuce Cups

Wife with the Knife
These firecracker beef lettuce cups bring the heat in the best way. Thin slices of beef, seared fast and glazed in a sweet, salty, spicy sauce, then loaded into crisp lettuce cups with creamy mayo, sriracha, tangy pickled cucumbers, fresh toppings, and hit it with a squeeze of lime at the end. Every bite is fresh, messy, and packed with flavour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Asian Fusion
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Mandoline / Slicer

Ingredients
  

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

  • ½ cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Beef

  • 350 g fondue / hot pot–style beef thawed
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1-2 tsp lime juice
  • 1-2 tsp gochujang optional, for extra depth
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2-3 tbsp neutral oil for cooking
  • Splash of water optional, to loosen sauce

For Serving

  • 1 head Boston, butter, or little gem lettuce separated into cups
  • Lime zest
  • Lime wedges
  • Kewpie mayonnaise or spicy mayo
  • ½ cup green onion finely chopped
  • Thin sliced chili
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fried shallots for a little crunch

Spicy Add-Ons

  • Sriracha for drizzling
  • Red Thai chili thinly sliced
  • Fresno chili diced
  • Chili crisp

Instructions
 

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

  • In a small bowl, toss the sliced cucumber with lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.

The Beef

  • In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, gochujang (if using), garlic, and ginger
    *Add a small splash of water if needed to loosen (you want a smoother, glossy glaze)
  • Heat a large pan over medium-high to high heat. Add a bit of oil.
  • Working in batches, lay beef slices flat in the pan.
  • Sear quickly, about 30–45 seconds total, flipping once. Remove and set aside.
  • Once all the beef is cooked, return it to the pan.
  • Pour in the sauce and toss for 30–60 seconds, just until everything is coated and glossy.

Serve family style or plated individually

  • Fill lettuce cups with beef and set out pickled cucumbers, mayo, green onions, lime zest, cilantro, chili, and toppings so everyone can build their own. Or plate individually and finish with all toppings already arranged. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Make ahead: You can prep everything ahead of time. Keep beef, pickles, and toppings separate, then assemble just before serving.
  • Don’t assemble ahead: Lettuce will go soggy. Always build right before serving or eating for best texture.
Leftovers storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat beef gently before serving. Assemble lettuce cups fresh to keep them crisp.
 
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