Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

ByDave Simpson

When I consider nutritious and tasty dishes, Asian Lettuce Wraps always pop into my head. I adore the tender ground chicken flavored with hoisin and soy sauce, and made with fresh ginger and just a hint of garlic.

Water chestnuts provide a lovely crunch, and if you want a kick, you can add Sriracha, but I prefer these wraps without it. Lettuce is a very low-calorie way to deliver the nutrients in the Asian-style filling.

Peanuts provide healthy fats and a way to increase the flavor of the chicken filling if you crush them into pieces and put them on top. Green onions are good for a lot of things in cooking, but one that stands out for me is brightening up a dish.

Ingredients photo for Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Turkey or Chicken, Ground: Low-fat, low-calorie, versatile poultry, high in protein, an excellent choice for healthy meals.

Garlic supplies flavor, antioxidants, and perhaps some benefits for heart health.

Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory, packed with carbs and flavor.

Zingiber officinale, more commonly known as ginger, is an ancient spice that adds a kick to dishes and has a long history of medicinal use.

It may help with digestion, and its anti-inflammatory properties could make it useful for reducing joint pain.

Water chestnuts have a delightful crunch, are very low in calories, and are high in fiber.

Sriracha: Optional ingredient; adds spicy heat and metabolism boost.

Sesame oil has a nutty scent, is rich in heart-healthy fats, and boosts the flavor profile of dishes.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced

  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha, optional

  • 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and diced

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • Crushed peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil medium-high. Add the ground chicken or turkey, and brown it, cooking to doneness, about 5-7 minutes. As the meat cooks, break it up into small pieces.

2. In a skillet, add the garlic and onion. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant and the garlic is tender.

3. Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger. Combine thoroughly to ensure that the meat is evenly covered.

4. Add the Sriracha for a spicy kick, and stir to combine, if using.

5. Put the drained and diced water chestnuts and the thinly sliced green onions in the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting those flavors meld together.

6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the filling until it tastes good. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.

7. Pour the sesame oil into the skillet. Stir it in to incorporate the flavor throughout the mixture.

8. Take the skillet off of the heat and let the combination cool a bit.

9. To serve, spoon a few tablespoons of filling into the center of each lettuce leaf, creating a wrap.

10. Add extra texture and flavor by using peanuts. Enjoy immediately!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Garlic press (optional)
6. Grater (for ginger)
7. Can opener
8. Measuring spoons
9. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

  • Can I use a different protein other than chicken or turkey?Indeed, ground beef, pork, or even tofu can be used in place of ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.

  • Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?A mixture of soy sauce, molasses, and a bit of rice vinegar can be used as an alternative.

  • Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?The filling can be made a day in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated when ready to serve. Absolutely!

  • What type of lettuce is best for wraps?Of all the lettuces, butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce are the best for the job. Their substantial, sturdy leaves can hold the filling and make it so you don’t really need to use your hands to eat these, even though they are the proper tacos.

  • Is the Sriracha necessary?It’s optional. If you want to keep your wraps on the milder side, you can leave out the harissa or reduce the amount you use.

  • How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?Just before serving, assemble the wraps to maintain the crispness of the lettuce leaves.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon avocado oil in place of 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
Ground beef or minced pork can substitute 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey in the recipe.
1/4 cup hoisin sauce can be replaced with either of the following for a different flavor profile:

– 1/4 cup oyster sauce
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar can be replaced with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
1 tablespoon sesame oil may be replaced with 1 tablespoon peanut oil or omitted if nut allergies are a concern.