Now that the nights are getting cooler, we can start turning to some cozy, spicy, comfort food. I’m not saying jump straight to the heavy chili, but you can definitely ease in to it with these lettuce wraps! They’ll make you sweat and cool you down all at once. Warning: Do not eat these in front of potential significant others! After seeing how messy these can get, they may not come back for seconds, if you know what I’m sayin’.

Pickled cucumbers

• 1 sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup scallions
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp chopped basil

Lettuce wraps

• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup scallions (don’t worry, the pickles will take care of any rank breath from the garlic and scallions!)
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (in a pinch, you can use Franks red hot sauce. It won’t be nearly as spicy, but still gets the job done.)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 lb ground beef (feel free to use ground chicken or turkey)
• 1 head boston lettuce

Throw all of the ingredients for the pickles in to a jar or bowl and store in the fridge while you prep the wraps.

For the wraps, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add in the onions, garlic, scallions, and meat and cook until brown. Slowly stir in all of the sauces – Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook until they’ve been absorbed by the meat, and serve immediately.

Scoop the meat in to a lettuce leaf and top with the pickled cucumbers. The heat from the meat and spices, paired with the chilled pickled cucumbers will be like a party in your mouth!

Happy Eating, XO.