Spicy beef in lettuce wraps

There's been way too much baking on this blog recently, so let's get back to some real food! This recipe is great if you have just emptied the dishwasher and have plenty of clean serving bowls. I think we ended up using at least 5 or 6 for all of the components. The lettuce wraps are a nice departure from the usual tortillas or taco shells and the spicy beef marinade/sauce is balanced by the addition of the mild sliced vegetables.

The meat is thinly sliced, then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and rice vinegar. The steak is then broiled while the marinade is allowed to boil for a few minutes and used as a sauce.

Many accoutrements would work well inside the lettuce wraps, including carrots and onions. We chose bean sprouts and thinly sliced red peppers and scallions. For some added spice I topped each wrap with some Sriracha.

Spicy Beef in Lettuce Rolls
From the Family Circle cookbook
Serves 6

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves minced garlic
4 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes
1.5 lbs top round steak
1 bunch scallions
1.5 cups bean sprouts
2 red peppers, thinly sliced
1 head Boston lettuce

Whisk together soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil and pepper flakes. Slice beef into 2-inch wide strips and add to marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Cut scallions into 2-inch lengths, then cut each piece again lengthwise. Place scallions, bean sprouts and red peppers into separate serving bowls. Separate lettuce leaves and place in a separate serving bowl.

Heat oven to broil. Transfer beef to broiler pan rack and pour marinade into small saucepan. Broil beef for 5-6 minutes, turning over halfway though. Bring marinade to boil for 3 minutes, then pour into a small serving bowl. Assemble wraps and eat!