Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

These Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are light, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy lunch, appetizer, or weeknight dinner. Made with seasoned ground meat, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, savory peanut sauce, these wraps are bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. They’re low-carb, easy to prepare, and customizable with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy and low-carb – Served in crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread or tortillas.
• Flavor-packed – A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
• Customizable – Swap the protein, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the spice level.
• Great for meal prep – The filling and sauce can be made ahead and assembled when ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or tofu
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Carrots (shredded)
• Water chestnuts (diced, optional for crunch)
• Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg (for wrapping)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• Creamy peanut butter
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Rice vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh lime juice
• Water (to thin the sauce as needed)
• Sriracha (optional, for heat)

Directions

this recipe

Make the Filling

1. Cook the protein: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken, turkey, pork, or tofu until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add vegetables: Mix in shredded carrots and water chestnuts. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Season: Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Make the Peanut Sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, garlic, and sriracha (if using).
2. Adjust consistency: Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.

Assemble the Wraps

1. Prepare lettuce: Wash and separate the lettuce leaves, patting them dry.
2. Fill the wraps: Spoon the filling into the center of each lettuce leaf.
3. Drizzle with sauce: Top with peanut sauce and garnish with green onions and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately as a light meal or appetizer.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option – Use crumbled tofu or tempeh and swap honey for maple syrup.
• Low-Sodium Version – Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt.
• Crunchy Wraps – Add chopped peanuts or crispy fried onions for extra texture.
• Spicy Sriracha Wraps – Add extra sriracha to both the filling and the peanut sauce for extra heat.
• Thai-Inspired Wraps – Add fresh basil and lime zest to the filling for a Thai twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked filling and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Freeze the filling for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce, iceberg, and romaine are all great options because they are sturdy and form a natural cup for the filling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the hoisin sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

Can I use another nut butter for the sauce?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter works as a substitute for peanut butter.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add sriracha, chili flakes, or diced fresh chili peppers to the filling or sauce.

Can I meal prep these wraps?

Yes! Store the filling and sauce separately, and assemble the wraps when ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp.

How do I keep the lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Choose sturdy lettuce leaves and don’t overfill each wrap. Hold the lettuce tightly when eating.

Can I add noodles to the filling?

Yes, vermicelli or rice noodles make a great addition for a more filling meal.

What protein works best for this recipe?

Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or tofu are all excellent choices and absorb the sauce well.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes! The filling tastes great both warm and cold, making them perfect for packed lunches.

What pairs well with lettuce wraps?

Serve with a side of steamed rice, Asian cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls.

Conclusion

These Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are light, flavorful, and quick to prepare, making them perfect for a healthy lunch, easy dinner, or party appetizer. The combination of savory filling and creamy peanut sauce creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. Try this recipe today for a fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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