Asian Lettuce Wraps

If you like the flavor of asian food you will enjoy this unique preparation for ground beef.

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion finely chopped
16 boston, bibb or butter lettuce leaves
1 can sliced water chestnuts finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce (you can find this in a jar in the Asian section of any grocery store)
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 tablespoon rice wine or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Asian chili pepper sauce (also in the Asian section) or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bunch green onion, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 cup peanuts

Brown ground beef and onions and drain off the grease.  Add water chestnuts, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, vinegar and hot pepper sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add green onions and sesame oil and simmer for five more minutes.

To serve place mixture in lettuce leaves and top with carrots, cucumber, red pepper and peanuts.