Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Craving vibrant Vietnamese flavors? Learn our simple lettuce wrap recipe featuring a protein-packed filling and irresistible peanut sauce.

vietnamese wraps with peanut sauce

Craving a flavor explosion that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying?

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Vietnamese lettuce wraps! This dish is a symphony of fresh ingredients, savory fillings, and a luscious peanut sauce that will have you craving more with every single bite.

Key Ingredients

essential components for success

Let's get cooking, so you'll need some pretty important key ingredients to knock this Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps recipe out of the park! First, you'll want about two large onions, halved. Don't skip on the ginger – you'll need 150g/5oz, sliced right down the center.

Now, to really get that authentic flavor humming, round up four cinnamon quills and four cardamom pods and three cloves. Oh — and don't forget 1.5 tbsp of coriander seeds! Really make sure that they don't skimp, okay?

Moving over to the beef, grab about 1.5kg/3lb of brisket, 1kg/2lb of meat filled beef bones, and 1kg/2lb of marrow bones. You can't forget to reveal that marrow, so cut them up and get them ready! Finally, mix it with 3.5 liters/3.75 quarts of water!

Preparing the Filling

making the filling mixture

Alright, so preparing the filling might seem straightforward, but I promise–there are a few simple steps we can take to really elevate the flavor! We're aiming for a mix of textures and tastes that will explode in your mouth!

First, I like to start with:

  • Finely dicing about 1 cup of cooked chicken or tofu–it's your canvas!
  • Next, add some crunch–1/2 cup of finely chopped water chestnuts. Trust me, they're surprisingly delicious.
  • Don't forget fresh herbs–1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and mint.
  • Finally, a squeeze of lime juice to brighten everything up–about 1 tablespoon.

Now, gently combine all these ingredients in a bowl. It's also important to prepare a delicious dressing for the filling to bring all of the flavors together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. It's all about personal preference, so don't be afraid to experiment. Really, go wild–add sriracha for some heat or sesame oil for depth.

Making the Peanut Sauce

prepare delicious peanut sauce

Moving on from the incredible filling, our next stop is where a lot of the magic happens–the peanut sauce! I think you're going to love this.

First, you'll need to grab a medium-sized bowl. Into it, goes 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter–don't skimp on the good stuff! Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of warm water until it's smooth and luscious.

Now comes the flavor boost! Stir in two teaspoons of soy sauce for that salty, savory edge. Follow that up with one teaspoon of rice vinegar–it adds the perfect zing.

For a touch of sweetness, add in half a teaspoon of honey. For an extra kick consider adding chili powder as is found in many taco sauce recipes. Seriously, this sauce is heaven! Now blend it all until it looks awesome! Don't be afraid to taste it!

Assembling the Wraps

putting together the wraps

Okay, it's finally time to put everything together and make some amazing Vietnamese lettuce wraps! I like to set out all my ingredients assembly-line style, so everyone can customize. Here's what I usually include:

  • Start with a crisp lettuce leaf, like butter lettuce or romaine – they're the perfect vehicles!
  • Next, add a tablespoon or two of the rice noodle mixture we prepared, don't go overboard- you don't wanna burst the lettuce!

Then, a generous dollop – say, about 2 tablespoons –- of that glorious peanut sauce**.

Finally, sprinkle on your favorite toppings**. Chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, maybe a squeeze of lime – go wild!

I mean it's your wrap. Don't be afraid to experiment! Honestly, it's less cooking now and more about having fun. Serve immediately and watch them disappear – they're always a hit! Enjoy!

Short Recipe Version

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken or pork
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 head lettuce, separated into leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • Peanut Sauce (see separate recipe or use store-bought)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix ground meat with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meat mixture until browned and cooked through.
  3. Stir in water chestnuts and green onions. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Spoon meat mixture into lettuce leaves.
  5. Drizzle with peanut sauce and sprinkle with peanuts.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g