Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This lettuce wraps recipe turns a restaurant favorite into an easy 30 minute dinner you can make any night of the week.

Savory ground chicken gets tossed in a sweet and tangy hoisin sauce, then piled into crisp lettuce cups for the perfect low carb bite.

I first started making these lettuce wraps years ago when I was craving that classic restaurant flavor without the takeout price tag.

One batch of this filling and a head of butter lettuce is really all you need for a meal everyone at the table will love.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy

If you love recreating restaurant classics at home, you will want to try my Panda Express Orange Chicken next.

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Why You’ll Love This Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These lettuce wraps come together in one skillet, so cleanup is quick and easy.

They also make a lighter dinner option since crisp lettuce swaps in for heavier tortillas or buns.

• Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
• Naturally low carb and easy to make gluten free
• Big, bold, Asian inspired flavor in every bite
• Great as an appetizer or a full weeknight meal
• Easy to customize with your favorite mix ins

Another favorite in this style: Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken

Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few Asian sauces to make this filling taste like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Most of these ingredients keep well, so stock up and you will be ready to make this recipe again in no time.

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha, plus more to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Read Also: Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

A few basic tools make this recipe come together fast. Nothing fancy is required, though a good wok does help the filling cook evenly.

• Large wok or skillet
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Garlic press (optional but handy)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

I use this same skillet setup for my Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, so it is worth the investment if you cook a lot of Asian inspired meals.

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are a few products I personally use and recommend for making this recipe turn out great every time.

They are not required, but they do make the process easier.

1. Carbon Steel Wok

I love using a carbon steel wok for this filling because it heats up fast and gives the chicken a nice sear instead of steaming it.

The sloped sides also make it easy to toss everything together without spilling. It is a versatile pan you will reach for again and again.

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2. Hoisin Sauce

A good bottle of hoisin sauce is the backbone of that classic sweet and savory lettuce wrap flavor.

I always keep one in my fridge since it works in stir fries, marinades, and dipping sauces too.

This style of hoisin has a nice balance of sweetness without being overly thick.

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3. Toasted Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that regular cooking oil just cannot match.

A little goes a long way, so one bottle lasts a long time in your pantry. It is worth seeking out the toasted variety instead of the plain kind.

Get it on Amazon

4. Fine Mesh Garlic Press

This garlic press saves so much time when you are mincing several cloves at once.

It presses the garlic finely and evenly, so it cooks quickly without any large chunks.

Cleanup is simple too, which I appreciate on a busy weeknight.

Get it on Amazon

You might also enjoy: Chinese Dumplings

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lettuce Wraps

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Dice the onion finely so it cooks quickly and blends into the filling.
• Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger.
• Drain the water chestnuts and chop them into small pieces.
• Separate the lettuce leaves from the head, then wash and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
• Set all your prepped ingredients near the stove so they are easy to grab as you cook.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
• Whisk until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
• Set the sauce aside until you are ready to add it to the skillet.

3. Cook the Ground Chicken

• Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
• Add the ground chicken to the hot pan.
• Break the chicken apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

• Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan.
• Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the empty side.
• Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns translucent.
• Stir everything together once the aromatics are ready.

5. Add the Sauce and Water Chestnuts

• Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture in the pan.
• Stir in the chopped water chestnuts.
• Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.
• Make sure most of the liquid has cooked down so the filling is not watery.

6. Stir in the Green Onions

• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in the sliced green onions.
• Taste the filling and add extra sriracha if you want more heat.

7. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

• Lay the dried lettuce leaves out on a serving platter.
• Spoon a few tablespoons of the warm chicken filling into the center of each leaf.
• Top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds, if using.
• Serve immediately while the filling is still warm.

Read Also: Fried Rice Recipe

Tips for The Best Lettuce Wraps

A few small details make a big difference in how these lettuce wraps turn out.

Keep these tips in mind for the best results every time.

• Pat the lettuce leaves completely dry, since wet lettuce makes the wraps soggy
• Cook off as much liquid as possible so the filling holds together in the leaf
• Use butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce for the sturdiest, most cup shaped leaves
• Chop the water chestnuts small so every bite has a bit of crunch
• Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the sriracha to your spice preference

This same technique works beautifully in my Buffalo Chicken Wraps if you want a spicier twist on wrap night.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce wraps are filling enough to serve as a full meal, but they also work well as a starter for a bigger spread.

Pair them with a few simple sides to round out the meal.

• Serve alongside a bowl of steamed white or jasmine rice
• Add a side of wonton soup for a cozy, restaurant style dinner
• Pair with a cool cucumber salad to balance the savory filling
• Offer extra hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for dipping
• Serve with fried rice for a heartier plate

You might also enjoy: Cucumber Salad

Variations of Lettuce Wraps

This filling is easy to switch up depending on what you have on hand or what protein you are craving.

Try one of these variations next time you make this recipe.

• Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version
• Add shredded carrots or diced red bell pepper for extra color and crunch
• Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or a drizzle of peanut sauce for a nuttier flavor
• Use napa cabbage leaves instead of lettuce for a different texture
• Top with crispy chow mein noodles or rice noodles for extra crunch

Read Also: Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Storage and Reheating

This filling stores well, which makes it a great option for meal prep.

Just keep the lettuce and filling separate until you are ready to eat.

• Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Keep the lettuce leaves wrapped separately in a paper towel to keep them crisp
• Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through
• Freeze the filling in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen filling overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

This same storage trick works great for my Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs if you like meal prepping proteins ahead of time.

Nutritional Facts

Here is a general breakdown of the nutrition in one serving of this lettuce wraps recipe, based on four servings per batch.

Keep in mind that exact numbers will vary depending on the specific brands and substitutions you use.

• Calories: approximately 290 per serving
• Protein: approximately 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: approximately 14 grams
• Fat: approximately 16 grams
• Fiber: approximately 2 grams
• Sodium: approximately 680 milligrams

Another lighter dinner option: Napa Cabbage Salad

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Beyond great flavor, several ingredients in this recipe come with real nutritional perks.

Here is a quick look at what some of the key players bring to the table.

• Ground chicken is a lean source of protein that helps keep you full
• Ginger has long been used to support digestion and ease occasional stomach upset
• Garlic contains compounds that may support heart health and immune function
• Water chestnuts are low in calories and add fiber along with their signature crunch
• Lettuce is hydrating and low in calories, making it a light swap for heavier wraps

Read Also: California Roll Cucumber Salad

FAQs About Lettuce Wraps

1. What is the best lettuce to use for lettuce wraps?

Butter lettuce, also called Bibb or Boston lettuce, works best because the leaves are soft and naturally cup shaped.

Iceberg lettuce is a sturdier substitute if you prefer a bit more crunch.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken filling can be made up to 4 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Just reheat it before serving and keep the lettuce leaves stored separately so they stay crisp.

3. How do I keep the lettuce wraps from getting soggy?

Make sure to pat the lettuce leaves completely dry after washing them.

It also helps to cook the filling until most of the liquid has evaporated before spooning it into the leaves.

4. Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?

Ground turkey, ground pork, or even finely chopped shrimp all work well in this recipe.

For a vegetarian version, try crumbled extra firm tofu or a plant based ground meat substitute.

5. Is this recipe gluten free?

This recipe can be made gluten free by using tamari or a certified gluten free soy sauce and checking that your hoisin sauce is labeled gluten free.

Always double check ingredient labels since formulas can vary by brand.

If you liked this recipe, you will probably love my Teriyaki Sauce Recipe for another quick Asian inspired staple.

Conclusion

I hope this lettuce wraps recipe becomes a regular on your dinner rotation.

It is quick, satisfying, and always a hit with a hungry family or a group of friends on game night.

Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out in the comments below.

I would also love to see your version, so feel free to share a photo if you make it.

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• Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe
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