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Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Description

These light, crunchy lettuce wraps are packed with tender ground meat, fresh vegetables, and coated in a savory, slightly spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a healthy lunch, appetizer, or weeknight dinner, they’re low-carb, customizable, and incredibly satisfying!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken, turkey, pork, or tofu
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the peanut sauce:

  • 1/4 cup (60g) natural peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 12 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)

To assemble:

  • 1 head of butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated)
  • Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook the filling

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add ground meat or tofu and cook until browned and fully cooked (5–7 minutes).
  • Stir in carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

2. Make the peanut sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha.
  • Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

3. Assemble the wraps

  • Spoon the cooked filling into the center of each lettuce leaf.
  • Drizzle with peanut sauce and sprinkle with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro.

4. Serve immediately

  • Enjoy as an appetizer, light meal, or snack with extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Swap ground meat for crushed chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
  • Add water chestnuts for extra crunch.