Go Beyond BBQ With This Light Bite

Looking for the perfect addition to your Labor Day spread? This Asian steak lettuce wrap is exactly what you need.
Cheryl De Leon,
2 Beyond Bbq

We’ve spent the season digging in to all the best flavors of summer—burgers and hot dogs, barbecue, the best local restaurants and, of course, ice cream. But summer can’t last forever, and your tastes are ever-changing. With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of the season and kids heading back to school next week, now is the perfect time to expand your cookout with something a little different.

Check out one of our favorite appetizer recipes, Asian steak lettuce wraps, featured in the August issue of BERGEN. Satisfying, easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrients, this is the perfect way to add an unexpected twist to an end-of-summer spread.

A healthier take? Says Megan Triolo, a clinical dietitian at MLT360 Nutrition in Saddle Brook: “Try swapping out flank or skirt steak for sirloin tip or eye round. Packed with bold, beefy flavor and less fat, these cuts deliver the taste and protein you crave, minus the guilt.”

ASIAN STEAK LETTUCE WRAPS

Yields 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. flank steak or skirt steak
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbs. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbs. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbs. brown sugar or honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
  • ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • butter lettuce or romaine hearts, separated into leaves
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup sliced scallions
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro or mint
  • 2 Tbs. chopped peanuts or cashews
  • red chili pepper, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Let rest 5 minutes.

Slice steak thinly against the grain.

To serve, lay lettuce leaves on a plate. Add sliced steak and desired toppings such as carrots, scallions, cilantro, sliced red chili pepper and nuts. Drizzle with extra sauce or sriracha mayo if desired. Serve immediately.

What are you serving up this Labor Day? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life