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Asian Lentil Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

These Asian Lentil Lettuce Wraps offer a flavorful, healthy, and vegetarian-friendly meal that combines tender red lentils with a vibrant mix of vegetables, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a savory-sweet sauce. Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner with an Asian-inspired twist.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

For the Lentil Filling

  • 1 cup red lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1 small)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small)
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

For Serving

  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 to 2 heads iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce, leaves separated, rinsed and dried

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lentils: Simmer the rinsed red lentils in unsalted water according to the package directions, about 15 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion, sautéing until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  3. Add Carrots, Garlic, and Ginger: Stir in the matchstick carrots, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute to develop flavors.
  4. Combine Lentils and Sauces: Add the drained lentils, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chopped water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook while tossing for about 1 minute, thinning with a few tablespoons of water if needed as the mixture will absorb sauce upon resting.
  5. Add Nuts and Herbs: Toss in the chopped walnuts, then sprinkle with green onions, chopped cilantro, and optional sesame seeds for garnish.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Serve the warm lentil mixture spooned into double layers of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves as wraps. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of hoisin and soy sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness and saltiness.
  • Double layering lettuce leaves helps provide sturdiness and prevents tearing while eating.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with other nuts or seeds if desired.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure your hoisin and soy sauce are gluten-free.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/asian-lentil-lettuce-wraps-recipe/