Weeknight Recipe: Asian Lettuce Wraps
Ok, I know you’re probably thinking:
1. Lettuce wraps? On a weeknight? No way. Too many ingredients and too much work.
2. They can’t possibly be as tasty as the ones at P.F. Chang’s or [insert your fave Chinese restaurant here].
But let me tell ya, these are deceptively easy. And once you have a few Asian staples on hand, you can throw them together in about 20 minutes. And YES, they are just as delicious as the ones you’d find in a restaurant. Maybe even more so!
Keep reading for the recipe…
What you’ll need (*note: this recipe is perfect for two people, so make sure to double it if you’re feeding more)
8 butter lettuce leaves
1/2 pound lean ground pork (beef, turkey, or chicken could be substituted but the pork really complements the flavors best!)
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon good quality soy sauce
1/8 cup hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon minced ginger (I use the kind in the little glass jar…so much easier)
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
Sriracha or other Asian chile pepper sauce (optional… use as much or as little as you like)
1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped (if you’re not a big fan, don’t use the whole can)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
Here’s what to do:
1. Carefully rinse the lettuce leaves, pat them dry, and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, and throw in the onion, garlic, and pork all at once. Once the meat is cooked, Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, vinegar, and chile pepper sauce. Cook a couple more minutes. Stir in chopped water chestnuts and sesame oil, and continue cooking about two more minutes.
3. Spoon the meat mixture into the lettuce leaves and garnish with chopped green onions and shredded carrots (and Sriracha if you’re feelin’ adventurous).
4. Grab a napkin and enjoy!
- Jessica
