Thai Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Thai lettuce wraps are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish featuring seasoned ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef) mixed with aromatics, fresh vegetables, and a delicious umami packed sauce. Served in crisp lettuce cups, these wraps are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 lb ground chicken (or turkey/beef)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece of ginger, grated
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sesame oil
For serving:
1 head butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated)
Chopped peanuts or cashews (for garnish)
Extra lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the meat: Add ground chicken (or your choice of protein) and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Add vegetables: Stir in the red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and water chestnuts. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Finish with herbs: Remove from heat and mix in green onions and cilantro.
7. Assemble the wraps: Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups and top with chopped peanuts or cashews. Serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: ~700mg (varies with soy sauce)
Notes & Tips
Lettuce Choice: Butter lettuce provides the best wrap experience, but romaine or iceberg works well too.
Protein Variations: Try ground turkey, pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Make it Spicier: Add more sriracha, chili flakes, or diced Thai chilies.
Meal Prep Friendly: The filling stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat and serve fresh with lettuce.
Serving Idea: Pair with jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles for a heartier meal.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
These Thai lettuce wraps are fresh, flavorful, and easy to customize.