Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, wrapped in crisp lettuce, making them a healthy and delicious meal or snack. These wraps are quick to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the lettuce provides a refreshing crunch.
1. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken (or diced chicken breast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Lettuce Wraps
- 1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg or romaine)
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon mirin (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Thicken the sauce: In another small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Set it aside.
Simmer and thicken: In a small saucepan, bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 5-7 minutes.
Add the vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the diced onion, shredded carrot, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Prepare the lettuce: Gently separate the lettuce leaves, wash, and pat them dry. Butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine all work well for wraps.
Spoon in the filling: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling into each lettuce leaf.
Garnish: Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Add a drizzle of Sriracha or sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, with the crisp lettuce contrasting the warm, savory filling.
2. Variations
Teriyaki Tofu Lettuce Wraps: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, crumbled or diced, for a vegetarian option. Press and drain the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Wraps: Add 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki sauce if you like extra heat.
Teriyaki Beef Lettuce Wraps: Substitute the ground chicken with ground beef or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
3. Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice: Serve with a side of jasmine or brown rice for those who want a heartier meal.
Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame makes a great appetizer or side dish.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing pairs beautifully with these wraps.
These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade teriyaki sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce is both satisfying and light. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or just a refreshing meal, these wraps are sure to hit the spot!
