Easy Asian Lettuce Wraps
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I love Asian cuisine, but my husband is not a fan, so I usually don’t get to eat at Asian-style restaurants. I have always wanted to try Asian lettuce wraps, so I decided to give them a try at home. Now, I knew my husband wouldn’t go for meat wrapped in lettuce, so I had some flour tortillas standing by for him and any of the kids who wanted them.
Usually, I don’t give you recipes with weird ingredients in them that you don’t keep on hand. However, if you are going to give Asian dishes a try at home you must get some. Then, you just need to experiment with other recipes just like these Asian lettuce wraps that use those ingredients.
When I made this recipe I did double it and put half in the freezer. The first time we had these with the butter lettuce. The second time we did them with regular old iceberg lettuce. Both worked fine. The meat also froze well. I did get my hubby and oldest son to give the wraps a try with the lettuce and they said it was actually pretty good.
I loved them too, but since I haven’t had lettuce wraps before, I don’t have anything to compare them to. Enjoy them for dinner or as an appetizer. Now that I have tried this recipe, I have found more recipes for lettuce wraps I want to try. There will be other versions in the future.
Ingredients for Asian Lettuce Wraps
- GROUND BEEF
- GROUND PORK
- ONION
- GINGER
- GARLIC
- SUGAR
- BLACK BEAN SAUCE
- CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES
- LIME JUICE
- ASIAN FISH SAUCE
- LOW-SODIUM SOY SAUCE
- BUTTER LETTUCE AKA BOSTON LETTUCE BUT ICEBERG WILL WORK TOO
- LIME
- SHREDDED CARROTS
- PEANUTS
- CILANTRO OR GREEN ONIONS
Instructions for Asian Lettuce Wraps
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the beef, pork, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the Flavors: Next, add the ginger, minced garlic, sugar, bean sauce, red pepper, lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the savory meat mixture into fresh lettuce leaves, creating individual wraps. Top each wrap with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro for added crunch and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side, so everyone can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to their wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only beef or only pork instead of a combination?
Yes, you can use only beef or only pork if you prefer. The combination adds a depth of flavor, but using just one type of meat will still result in delicious lettuce wraps.
What is bean sauce, and can I substitute it with something else?
Bean sauce is a fermented soybean paste that adds a savory umami flavor to dishes. If you can’t find bean sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or miso paste, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the meat mixture and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef and pork with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute. Follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version of these lettuce wraps.
How do I prevent the lettuce leaves from tearing when filling them?
To prevent tearing, use sturdy lettuce varieties like iceberg, romaine, or butter lettuce. Gently separate the leaves and pat them dry before filling. Be careful not to overfill the leaves to keep them intact.
Can I add other toppings to the lettuce wraps?
Yes, feel free to customize your lettuce wraps with additional toppings such as sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado. The more variety, the better!
What can I serve with lettuce wraps?
Lettuce wraps pair well with a side of jasmine rice, quinoa, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Can I make these lettuce wraps spicy?
If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a diced chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture while cooking. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp black bean sauce
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 3 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp Asian fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 8 butter lettuce AKA boston lettuce but iceberg will work too
- 4-8 lime wedges
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup peanuts chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown beef and pork with the onion until meat until no longer pink; drain.
- Mix in the ginger, garlic, sugar, bean sauce, red pepper, lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves serve topped with carrots, peanuts, and cilantro. Use the lime wedges for a squeeze of fresh lime juice on each wrap.
