Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

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Wondering what to do with leftover rice, peanut butter and lettuce? Make these copycat lettuce wraps with peanut sauce today for a healthy lunch or an easy dinner.

Lettuce wraps with peanut sauce are a creative and delicious way to use leftovers so that nothing goes to waste. This dish combines the fresh crunch of lettuce with the protein power and Asian taste of peanut sauce. And if you’re a fan of lettuce wraps from PF Chang’s, the Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen or Chili’s, you must try this recipe!

It’s a perfect balance that will satisfy your cravings. It’s a lighter lunch dish than my Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad recipe.

To make it a heartier meal, add a bowl of Carrot and Red Lentil Soup. You can also follow it up with a couple of Lemon Meltaway cookies for a colorful meal your family or guests will love.

Ideal for a light lunch, a healthy snack or a quick dinner, these wraps are easy to make and also customizable. Just add your twist based on what you have in your fridge.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious lettuce wraps with peanut sauce.

For the Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter: 1/4 cup
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Honey: 2 tbsp
• Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Water: 1 tbsp

For the Filling

• Green onion: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Hot pepper: 1 tbsp, chopped
• Garlic: 1 tbsp, minced
• Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced
• Ground chicken: 1 1/2 cups
• Cucumbers: 1 cup, chopped
• Brown rice: 1 cup, cooked
• Parsley: 1/2 cup, chopped
• Lettuce leaves: 6-8 (large, for wrapping)
• Jicama: 1 cup, julienned
• Lime: 1 (optional, for serving)

This is a very forgiving recipe. So don’t be afraid to mix and match the proteins, veggies, and herbs to make your own wraps.

Directions

Honestly, this is a very easy recipe. You don’t need to turn the oven on — even a child could make make these lettuce wraps.

Making the Peanut Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, and water until smooth. Set aside.

Preparing the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the hot pepper, white part of the green onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Add the ground chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the peanut sauce prepared earlier.
5. Mix in the jicama and the green parts of the green onions.

Assembling the Lettuce Wraps

1. Place a spoonful of cooked brown rice on each lettuce leaf.
2. Top with the chicken and peanut sauce mixture.
3. Garnish with chopped cucumber, parsley, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
4. Serve immediately.

Substitutions/Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground chicken (or ground turkey) with crumbled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Rice Alternatives: Quinoa or couscous can be used instead of brown rice for a different texture.
• Additional Toppings: Feel free to add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you have on hand.

Lettuce wraps with peanut sauce are so versatile. This recipe is easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences or to use up whatever leftovers you have. Even better, this recipe provides a healthy option to wraps using tortillas or other flatbreads.

FAQ

You have questions? Here are some answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, pop your question into the comments section and I’ll answer it.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it separates, just whisk it well before using.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more chopped hot pepper to the filling or drizzle your wraps with hot sauce before serving.

Are there any alternatives to lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for a different base for your wraps, cabbage leaves or thinly sliced jicama can be great alternatives to lettuce, providing a similar crunch.

Lettuce wraps with peanut sauce offer a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into a nutritious and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking to clear out the fridge or just need a light, satisfying dish, this recipe is a go-to that promises to impress.

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