Easy Peasy [Insert Favorite Protein Here] Lettuce Wraps

This versatile recipe for Easy Peasy Lettuce Wraps is great for busy weeknights – it’s a healthy crowd-pleaser that comes together in less than 30 minutes!

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy recipe to make for dinner this week, these lettuce wraps are your answer! This dish comes together quickly and can be easily adapted depending on your family’s taste. Use any type of protein you like – even shrimp or tofu – and adjust the jalapeño and sambal oelek to suit your preferred level of spice. This is one of my favorite Asian-inspired recipes on the site, right up there with my Cashew Shrimp and Easy Weeknight Stir-Fry. Add it to your meal plan this week!

Why This Recipe Works

• It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for any busy weeknight.
• You can use any protein you like – ground turkey, ground beef, shrimp or tofu!
• It’s a healthy choice, with all food groups covered in one dish.
• It holds up well. Make the filling up to two days in advance and just reheat and serve with the lettuce wraps when ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground turkey or protein of choice – I love using ground turkey as the protein in this dish, but you can easily substitute whatever you prefer, like ground chicken, beef, or even chopped up shrimp or tofu.

Sesame oil – This adds great depth of flavor to the dish. You can find it in the Asian section of your grocery store or online here.

Maple syrup – This might sound like an odd addition to an Asian dish, but it does a fantastic job of balancing out the spiciness from the jalapeño (if using) and the sambal oelek.

Sambal oelek – Otherwise known as chili garlic paste, this adds a nice spice to your lettuce wraps. Feel free to cut back on the amount or omit the paste completely if you or your family aren’t fans of spice. You can also find this in the Asian section of the grocery store, or online here.

Hoisin – This is the main flavoring ingredient in these wraps, so don’t skip it! My favorite brand is Lee Kum Kee, which you can find at many grocery stores or online here.

Water chestnuts – Don’t worry, these aren’t as hard to find as you think! They’re available at most grocers with a decent Asian section. They’re also shelf-stable, which means you can stock up and keep some extra cans in your pantry. If you can’t find them at the store, you can also buy them here.

Green onions – Don’t omit these! They add the perfect flavor to your lettuce wraps.

Lettuce – Be sure to find a head of lettuce that has leaves with good structure. You want to be able to wrap up your filling in them like tacos.

Cashews – These are another seemingly minor ingredient that should not be missed! Toasting the cashews before stirring them in also adds an extra depth of flavor that you don’t want to skip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish is so easy to make it’s practically a one-pot meal!

First, you’ll want to brown your protein in a skillet using your choice of oil (I prefer avocado or coconut). Once the protein has gotten a good head start browning, add the garlic, jalapeños (if using), hoisin, sesame oil, sambal oelek and maple syrup and stir. Let this all simmer and meld for a few minutes.

The next step is to add in the water chestnuts and green onions.

Finally, stir in the cashews.

Now all that’s left is to scoop the delicious filling you’ve made into your lettuce cups!

FAQs

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

This incredible Loaded Greek Skillet…

This Mango Shrimp Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette that’s just bursting with flavor…

These summer-y Lobster Roll Lettuce Wraps with Brioche Crumbles…

Or this Healthy Shrimp and Poblano Enchilada Quinoa Bake.

Tried this recipe and loved it?? Be sure to leave a comment and five-star rating in the recipe card below!