Name: Lettuce Wraps Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 onion; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp ginger; 8 oz water chestnuts; ¼ cup hoisin; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; Butter lettuce; Optional: Carrots (peanuts); Suggested Pairings: Rice (beer)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful low-carb meal, perfect for quick weeknights, appetizers, or game day. This popular Asian-inspired recipe features juicy seasoned ground chicken (or turkey) with water chestnuts and a sweet-savory hoisin sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, these Lettuce Wraps offer a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple one-pan stovetop method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to dish that brings light, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable/canola)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and diced
¼ cup hoisin sauce
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
3 green onions, sliced

For Wrapping & Serving:

1 head butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated)
Optional toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges

Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Lettuce: Gently separate lettuce leaves. Rinse, dry thoroughly, and chill—this keeps them crisp.
Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken; cook 5–7 minutes, breaking up with a spoon until no pink remains.
Add Aromatics: Push chicken to sides. Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the center. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Water Chestnuts: Stir in diced water chestnuts for crunch.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Pour over the chicken mixture.
Simmer: Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. Stir in green onions.
Taste & Adjust: Add more hoisin for sweetness or sriracha for heat.
Serve: Transfer filling to a white ceramic bowl. Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Let everyone build their own wraps.

Tips for Better Lettuce Wraps

Dry lettuce thoroughly—prevents soggy wraps
Cook chicken until just done—keeps it juicy
Dice water chestnuts small—better texture
Serve filling warm, lettuce cold—perfect contrast
Presented on a white ceramic platter to showcase the colors
Make filling ahead—flavor improves
Refrigerate filling up to 4 days
Enhance aesthetic: create a toppings bar

Variations and Customization

Beef or Pork: Use ground beef/pork for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian: Replace meat with crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
Spicy Korean: Add gochujang instead of hoisin.
Peanut Version: Stir in 2 tbsp peanut butter to the sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari and GF hoisin.
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Use chopped cooked shrimp.
Thai Style: Add fish sauce, lime, and Thai basil.
Low-Carb: Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with 1–2 tbsp water.
Do not freeze lettuce; freeze filling up to 2 months.
Serve warm filling with cold crisp lettuce.
Pair with iced tea or light beer to balance sweetness.
Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for fresh, restaurant-style charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (filling only):

Calories: 310 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 24g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values with chicken (vegetarian version reduces cholesterol).

Conclusion

These Lettuce Wraps deliver fresh, flavorful joy with juicy filling in every crisp bite. They transform simple ingredients into a 20-minute crowd-pleaser. Their one-pan method and vibrant presentation make them a go-to. The sweet-savory sauce and crunchy texture delight every wrap. They’re sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for their light, crowd-pleasing charm.