Get ready to embark on a taste bud adventure with these mouthwatering Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps! Imagine tender, juicy pork, perfectly seasoned and sautéed to perfection, nestled in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. Every bite is a harmonious blend of savory and crunchy, with the added thrill of drizzling on some rich hoisin sauce or adding a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for that extra oomph.
Whether you're a foodie seeking a delightful snack or a health-conscious eater looking for a guilt-free treat, these wraps have got you covered. They're not just a dish – they're a symphony of textures and flavors that'll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So grab those lettuce leaves, pile on the scrumptious pork, and let your taste buds dance to the delicious tune of Chinese cuisine!
A canvas for your culinary creativity
As you indulge in these delectable Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps, you'll discover a culinary journey that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Originating from the vibrant streets of China, these wraps have earned their place as a beloved classic, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on them! Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of zesty lime for a burst of freshness, or toss in some finely diced veggies for an extra crunch. The versatility of these wraps allows you to tailor each bite to your own taste, making them a fantastic option for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even a fun DIY meal with friends. So, whether you're an aspiring chef or simply someone who appreciates good food, these Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a canvas for your culinary creativity – a canvas you won't be able to resist sinking your teeth into!
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Jump to:
- A canvas for your culinary creativity
- Ingredients needed to make Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- How to make Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- Variations on the Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe
- Equipment used when making Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps
- Storage for the Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- Top tips for making Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- Related
- Pairing
- Exploring the Delightful World of Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
Ingredients needed to make Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- 1 T. coconut oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, chopped
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 3 T. low sodium soy sauce ( or hoisin sauce )
- 2 T. oyster sauce
- 1 T. sesame oil
- 2 T. rice vinegar
- 8-10 lettuce leaves
- 2 scallions, sliced
- ¼ c. roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped
- lime wedges, for serving
- salt and pepper to taste
How to make Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- Heat coconut oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and pork; lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the pork begins to brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add water chestnuts and continue cooking until the pork is cooked through, another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 6-7 minutes.
- Spoon the pork mixture into lettuce wraps and top with sliced scallions and roasted cashews. Serve with a lime wedge and enjoy!
How to Cook Fresh Water Chestnuts
- Scratch chestnuts with a knife.
- Add chestnuts to a small pan with 2 cups of water.
- Add ½ t. salt and ½ t sugar.
- Boil for 20 minutes or until soft. Note – check at 15 minutes with a knife. When cooked, chestnuts will be walnut soft.
- Once cooked, drain the black water and wash chestnuts.
- Let cool, peel and slice or chop as recipe requires.
Variations on the Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe
Here is a list of TEN variations that you can use on the - Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe
- Spicy Szechuan Twist: Amp up the heat with a dash of Szechuan sauce and red pepper flakes. Your taste buds won't know what hit them!
- Ginger-Infused Delight: Add finely grated ginger to the pork mixture for an extra layer of zing and depth of flavor.
- Thai Basil Fusion: Toss in some chopped Thai basil leaves and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant Thai-inspired twist.
- Mango Tango: Dice ripe mangoes and mix them with the pork for a sweet and savory tropical infusion.
- Hoisin Honey Elegance: Drizzle a blend of hoisin sauce and honey over the pork for a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
- Crispy Wonton Crunch: Incorporate crushed crispy wontons for an irresistible texture contrast that'll have you craving more.
- Five-Spice Marvel: Marinate the pork in a five-spice blend for an aromatic and deeply flavorful experience.
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Introduce a dollop of creamy peanut butter to the pork mixture for a rich and nutty upgrade.
- Seared Pineapple Paradise: Sear pineapple slices and layer them over the pork for a tropical rendezvous in every bite.
- Korean BBQ Fusion: Swap hoisin for Korean BBQ sauce, add kimchi, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a unique Korean-inspired fusion.
Time to get creative and take your Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps to a whole new level! 🥢🌮🍽️
Equipment used when making Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps
Storage for the Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps can typically be stored in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. However, the quality and freshness of the ingredients may start to decline after the first day or two. To maximize the shelf life and flavor, it's best to store the pork mixture and lettuce leaves separately. Keep the cooked pork in an airtight container and store the lettuce leaves in a separate container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the pork and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce leaves. Always use your judgment and if anything looks or smells off, it's best to err on the side of caution and not consume it.
Top tips for making Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
Here are 10 top tips to ensure your Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a smashing success:
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Opt for sturdy lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce to hold the flavorful pork without tearing.
- Marination Magic: Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes – it's the key to infusing that delectable taste into every bite.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients before cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything ready is a game-changer.
- Hot Wok, Happy Pork: Use a hot wok or skillet to quickly cook the pork, sealing in juices and flavors for that perfect taste.
- Even Slices: Slice the pork thinly and uniformly for even cooking. This ensures tender and juicy results every time.
- Aromatics Rule: Don't skimp on garlic, ginger, and green onions – they're the aromatic foundation of your dish.
- Sauce Savviness: Use a good-quality hoisin sauce for that authentic and robust flavor profile.
- Texture Temptation: Add crunchy water chestnuts or diced vegetables to the pork mixture for a satisfying crunch.
- Go Nuts or Seeds: Top with toasted peanuts or sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and taste.
- Wrap Like a Pro: Spoon the pork onto the lettuce, fold the sides, and roll it up like a burrito. Secure with a toothpick for easy munching.
Now you're armed with the wisdom to whip up the most amazing Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps. Time to wok and roll! 🍽️🥡🥬
Related
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Pairing
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Exploring the Delightful World of Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to embark on a taste bud adventure with these mouthwatering Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps! Imagine tender, juicy pork, perfectly seasoned and sautéed to perfection, nestled in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. Every bite is a harmonious blend of savory and crunchy, with the added thrill of drizzling on some rich hoisin sauce or adding a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for that extra oomph.
Ingredients
1 T. coconut oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, finely diced
8 oz. mushrooms, chopped
1 lb. ground pork
1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 T. low sodium soy sauce
2 T. oyster sauce
1 T. sesame oil
2 T. rice vinegar
8-10 lettuce leaves
2 scallions, sliced
¼ c. roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped
lime wedges, for serving
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
tions:
-
Heat coconut oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
-
Add onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and pork; lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the pork begins to brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
-
Add water chestnuts and continue cooking until the pork is cooked through, another 2-3 minutes.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 6-7 minutes.
-
Spoon the pork mixture into lettuce wraps and top with sliced scallions and roasted cashews. Serve with a lime wedge and enjoy!
How to Cook Fresh Water Chestnuts
-
Scratch chestnuts with a knife.
-
Add chestnuts to a small pan with 2 cups of water.
-
Add ½ t. salt and ½ t sugar.
-
Boil for 20 minutes or until soft. Note – check at 15 minutes with a knife. When cooked, chestnuts will be walnut soft.
-
Once cooked, drain the black water and wash chestnuts.
-
Let cool, peel and slice or chop as recipe requires.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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