Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying recipe that’s low on carbs but big on flavor? Look no further than these Keto Asian Lettuce Wraps! This dish is like a little bundle of joy—packed with savory, tangy, and slightly spicy goodness, all wrapped in crispy lettuce leaves. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a fun appetizer for gatherings.
But before we jump into the recipe, let’s get into why these lettuce wraps are so great. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein, making them a go-to for anyone on a keto diet. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Let’s get into it!
Why Keto Asian Lettuce Wraps Work So Well
- Quick to Make: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for days when you’re too busy to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can swap out proteins, adjust the spices, or even add toppings to suit your taste.
- Low-Carb Friendly: With fresh lettuce leaves as the “wrap,” you’re ditching the carbs while still getting that satisfying crunch.
- Full of Flavor: Thanks to a blend of Asian-inspired seasonings, these wraps are anything but boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to pull this recipe together. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken, turkey, or pork (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust based on spice tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener (or any keto-friendly sweetener)
For the Wraps:
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (leaves separated)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables and preparing the sauce. This step makes cooking smoother and faster because everything is ready to go. Wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves, and set them aside.
2. Cook the Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil.
- Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds. The smell alone is enough to get you excited!
- Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, around 2–3 minutes.
- Throw in the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This ensures you don’t have large chunks. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
3. Mix in the Sauce
- While the meat is cooking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Once the meat is cooked, pour the sauce over it and mix well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors really soak into the meat.
- If you’re adding water chestnuts for crunch, stir them in now.
4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Lay out the lettuce leaves on a platter or individual plates.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the center of each leaf. Don’t overfill—this isn’t a taco night disaster waiting to happen!
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a little extra flair.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve these wraps fresh, with extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side if you like it saucy. They’re best eaten right away, but if you’re meal prepping, store the filling separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Your Lettuce Wraps Even Better
- Use Fresh Lettuce: Crisp, fresh lettuce is key to making these wraps shine. Butter lettuce is soft and wraps easily, while iceberg lettuce gives you that crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients bring bold flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove.
- Spice It Up: Add more chili garlic sauce if you’re into heat, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.
- Protein Options: Ground chicken and turkey are lean and light, but ground pork adds a rich flavor. You could also use diced tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Why These Wraps Are Perfect for Keto
Lettuce wraps are an excellent alternative to traditional carb-heavy wraps like tortillas or pita bread. Not only are they low in carbs, but they’re also light and refreshing, making them the ideal vehicle for savory fillings. Each wrap is a good balance of protein, fat, and fiber—everything you need to stay on track with your keto goals.
How to Meal Prep This Recipe
These Keto Asian Lettuce Wraps are great for meal prep! Here’s how to make them work for your busy schedule:
- Cook the Filling in Advance: The meat mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep the Lettuce Ahead: Wash and dry your lettuce leaves, then store them in a resealable bag with a paper towel to keep them fresh.
- Assemble When Needed: Keep the filling and lettuce separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the lettuce from getting soggy.
Variations You Can Try
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Mix a tablespoon of peanut butter with a splash of water and drizzle it over the wraps for a nutty twist.
- Korean BBQ Style: Swap the soy sauce for gochujang (Korean chili paste) and add a touch of sesame seeds for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Crispy Toppings: Crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots take these wraps to the next level.
Why You Wil Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, delicious, and photogenic—and these wraps check all the boxes. They’re low-carb, keto-friendly, and perfect for snapping a quick pic before digging in. Plus, the vibrant colors of the lettuce, meat, and garnishes make for an eye-catching dish that screams “pin me!”
Conclusion
Keto Asian Lettuce Wraps are proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. They’re easy, quick, and bursting with deliciousness. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want a lighter option, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
Give these wraps a try, and let us know how they turn out! Got a favorite twist on this recipe? Share it in the comments below. And hey, don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
PrintKeto Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Keto Asian Lettuce Wraps are a quick and healthy low-carb meal packed with savory, tangy flavors. Perfect for the keto diet, they’re ready in just 30 minutes and make a delicious option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Keto, low carb
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or pork
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
- For the Wraps
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (leaves separated)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
Chop vegetables, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Wash and dry lettuce leaves. - Cook Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned.
- Add Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat.
- Assemble Wraps
- Spoon the filling into lettuce leaves.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve
Enjoy fresh or store filling separately for meal prep.
Notes
- Substitute cabbage leaves if you don’t have lettuce.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili sauce.
- Add crushed peanuts or crispy shallots for extra texture.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 Sugar: 1g Sodium: 520mg Fat: 13g Saturated Fat: 3g Unsaturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 4g Fiber: 1g Protein: 16g Cholesterol: 45mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, but keep the components separate. The filling stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the lettuce leaves should be prepped and stored separately to stay crisp.
What Can I Use Instead of Lettuce?
If you don’t have lettuce, cabbage leaves are a great alternative. They’re sturdier and have a nice crunch.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
It’s mildly spicy as written, but you can adjust the chili garlic sauce to your liking—or leave it out entirely if you prefer no heat.