Description
Zesty easy chinese lettuce wraps with peanut sauce combine crisp vegetables and savory protein in a light, refreshing dish. Quick preparation and balanced flavors make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners you can enjoy with minimal cooking skills.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken, turkey, pork, or tofu
- 1 head butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup (60g) natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 12 tbsps warm water (to thin the sauce)
- ½ tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep Skillet: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an aromatic cooking base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant and translucent, releasing their vibrant essence.
- Cook Protein: Introduce ground protein, breaking into crumbles and browning thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Build Flavor Profile: Incorporate carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers, seasoning with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes for a complex taste experience.
- Simmer and Meld: Allow mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables become tender and ingredients fully integrate their flavors.
- Assemble and Garnish: Transfer filling to a serving dish, pair with fresh lettuce leaves, and generously drizzle with peanut sauce, creating an interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Master Protein Browning: Ensure ground meat or tofu develops deep golden-brown edges by avoiding overcrowding the pan and allowing sufficient searing time for maximum flavor development.
- Lettuce Leaf Selection: Choose fresh, sturdy lettuce varieties like butter lettuce or iceberg with intact, wide leaves that create perfect wrap containers without tearing or breaking during filling.
- Sauce Balance Technique: Adjust peanut sauce consistency by gradually adding liquid (water or additional soy sauce) to achieve smooth, drizzleable texture that complements the filling without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
- Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Transform recipe into vegetarian or vegan version by substituting ground meat with crumbled extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein crumbles while maintaining identical seasoning techniques for authentic taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg