Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, healthy dish that’s quick to prepare? Vietnamese lettuce wraps with peanut sauce are your answer. Packed with fresh veggies, lean protein, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine or quick, healthy meals.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a fun dinner for yourself, these wraps are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps

Vietnamese lettuce wraps have it all—bright, fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and plenty of nutrition. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your weekly menu:

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with fresh veggies and lean protein, these wraps offer vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Customizable: Prefer tofu over chicken? Love your wraps spicy? This recipe allows you to tailor your wraps to your taste.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking time, these wraps come together in under 30 minutes—great for weeknight dinners.
• Fun to Assemble: They’re interactive, making them a hit at dinner parties or family meals.

Now, let's get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 4 and requires simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce (leaves separated)
• 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles (optional, for added texture)
• 1 lb ground chicken, ground pork, or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (skip for a vegetarian option and use extra soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp cooking oil (like vegetable oil or sesame oil)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh cilantro

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin it to your desired consistency)
• Optional garnish: crushed peanuts, red chili flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peanut Sauce

Start by making the peanut sauce—this will be the star of your dish. Here's how:

1. Combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a bowl.
2. Gradually stir in warm water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Set the sauce aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add your protein of choice (ground chicken, pork, or tofu) and cook until browned (7-8 minutes).
4. Stir in soy sauce and fish sauce, mixing well to coat the protein. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Wrap Ingredients

1. Wash and dry your lettuce leaves. Arrange them on a large platter.
2. Prepare the veggies by shredding the carrots, julienning the cucumber, and setting out the mint and cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps

1. Place a lettuce leaf on your plate.
2. Layer it with a small amount of vermicelli noodles (if using), a spoonful of cooked protein, and fresh veggies.
3. Drizzle or spoon the peanut sauce over the top.
4. Roll or fold the lettuce leaf into a wrap shape—and bite in!

Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps

• Choose Fresh Greens: Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, making it ideal for wraps. Romaine lettuce works if you prefer crunchier leaves.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the protein and peanut sauce ahead of time for an even faster meal.
• Spice It Up: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
• Double the Sauce: Everyone loves the peanut sauce—consider making extra for dipping!
• Balance Your Wraps: Don’t overfill your lettuce leaves; otherwise, they can tear apart while eating.

Nutritional Benefits

Vietnamese lettuce wraps are a great way to enjoy a nourishing, low-carb meal. Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Lettuce acts as a low-calorie, nutrient-rich base.
• Protein like chicken, pork, or tofu provides muscle-repairing nutrients.
• Fresh Veggies supply essential vitamins and antioxidants for better overall health.
• Peanut Sauce adds healthy fats—but keep an eye on portion sizes as peanut butter is calorie-dense.

Altogether, these wraps are well-balanced, giving you the energy boost you need to power through your day.

Why These Wraps are the Perfect Crowd Pleaser

Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or a family cook, Vietnamese lettuce wraps are a hit:

• Hosting friends? Set up a DIY wrap bar where everyone can build their own.
• Need something quick? The recipe is perfect for prepping during lunch breaks or busy evenings.
• Craving variety? Use the same formula but swap the protein or veggies to switch things up.

We’re confident this recipe will become a favorite in your household.

Bring Vibrancy to Your Kitchen

Vietnamese lettuce wraps with peanut sauce are proof that healthy eating can be flavorful, fun, and satisfying. They’re a great option for anyone looking to incorporate Asian-inspired dishes into weekly meals.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, these wraps won’t disappoint. Try them tonight and see your kitchen come alive with flavor!