Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground lamb sautéed with warming spices, served in crisp lettuce cups and topped with fresh mint and crunchy walnuts for a refreshing paleo appetizer. This middle eastern-inspired paleo (gluten-free, dairy-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground lamb, olive oil, small, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground lamb, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While lamb cooks, toast 1/3 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Roughly chop walnuts and set aside.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, spoon the spiced lamb mixture evenly into 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves. Top each with 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts. Serve immediately for a cool contrast of flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Lamb Lettuce Wraps with Mint and Walnut gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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