Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps

Looking for something fresh, spicy, and satisfyingly crunchy? These Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps are packed with bold flavor, quick to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even party appetizers. The creamy, zesty peanut sauce brings the heat, while crisp lettuce cups keep things light and refreshing. Whether you’re using ground chicken, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein, this dish is endlessly customizable and always a hit

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

For the filling:

1 lb (450g) ground chicken or turkey (or tofu for vegetarian)

1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 small onion, finely diced

1 bell pepper, finely diced

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (optional for crunch)

2 green onions, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

For the spicy peanut sauce:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 tsp sesame oil

1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin as needed)

Juice of 1/2 lime

To serve:

Butter lettuce or romaine leaves (washed & dried)

Chopped peanuts

Extra sriracha or chili flakes (optional)

Lime wedges

Instructions

Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Add warm water to thin the sauce to desired consistency. Set aside.

Cook the Filling:

Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add ground chicken or tofu. Cook until browned and cooked through.

Stir in bell pepper, carrots, and water chestnuts. Cook another 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Pour in about 2/3 of the peanut sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more sriracha if needed.

Assemble Wraps:

Spoon the filling into individual lettuce leaves.

Drizzle with remaining peanut sauce.

Top with chopped peanuts, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.

️ Tips & Variations

Make it vegan: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh and ensure the hoisin sauce is vegan.

Add noodles: For a more filling wrap, add cooked rice noodles inside.

Meal prep: Keep the filling and lettuce separate until ready to serve.

❓ Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps – FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made up to 3–4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat gently and spoon into fresh lettuce cups when ready to serve.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

Butter lettuce is the go-to for its soft texture and natural cup shape. Romaine or iceberg works too, offering a bit more crunch and sturdiness.

Is the peanut sauce spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick depending on how much sriracha or chili sauce you use. Feel free to dial it up or down to your liking.

Can I freeze the filling?

Yes! The cooked protein-based filling (like ground chicken or turkey) freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Adjust the seasoning to taste as different nut butters vary in sweetness and saltiness.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings total)

Approximate values based on ground chicken and peanut sauce

• Calories: ~360

• Protein: ~25g

• Fat: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~16g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~6g

• Sodium: ~650mg

These Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. They’re bold, crunchy, loaded with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you stick with the classic ground chicken or go plant-based, the spicy peanut sauce ties everything together in the most craveable way.