Aug 28 2026
RestaurantsSy ThaiLettuce Wrap Recipe

Lettuce Wrap Recipe

Inspired by Sy Thai
Time30m
Serves4

Make Lettuce Wrap Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Filling

Method

Filling

  1. 1

    Prep aromatics and vegetables

    Finely dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, shred the carrot, finely chop the water chestnuts, and thinly slice the green onions. Combine soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili paste in a small bowl and set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook aromatics

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm for 20–30 seconds. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Brown the meat

    Add the ground chicken (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and beginning to brown, about 5–7 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper while cooking.

  4. 4

    Add veg and sauce

    Stir in the shredded carrot and chopped water chestnuts and cook 1–2 minutes to warm. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the meat, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning (add another 1/2–1 tbs soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed).

  5. 5

    Finish filling

    Stir in sliced green onions and chopped cilantro (if using). Drizzle the 1 tsp sesame oil over the mixture and toss. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer filling to a bowl to prevent the lettuce from wilting from residual heat.

Wraps & Assembly

  1. 6

    Prepare lettuce leaves by patting them dry with paper towels and trimming any stem so the leaf forms a stable cup. Arrange leaves on a serving platter.

  2. 7

    Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cabbage (or additional carrot) in the bottom of each lettuce leaf for crunch.

  3. 8

    Spoon approximately 2–3 tablespoons of the warm (not piping hot) meat filling into each leaf. Top with extra green onion, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if using, and a squeeze of lime wedge.

  4. 9

    Serve immediately so lettuce stays crisp. Offer extra hoisin, soy, or Sriracha at the table for people to add to taste.

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