Have you ever had one of those days when you’re craving something that’s both spicy and refreshing? That’s where these Quick and Easy Gochujang Chicken Lettuce Wraps come in.
Imagine biting into juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce—it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite. This dish is a must-try, especially after a long day when you want something quick yet tasty.
Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!
Steps
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing cucumbers and shredding carrots into preferred sizes.
- In a small bowl, mix together gochujang paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more maple syrup or gochujang to taste.
- Season the protein of your choice with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the protein with garlic over high heat for 4-5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and mix in half of the prepared gochujang sauce.
- Assemble the lettuce wraps by placing a spoonful of the cooked protein into each lettuce leaf. Add sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of the remaining sauce on top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- Sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 8–10 butter lettuce leaves
- 1 cup thinly sliced English cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Thinly-sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
FAQ
- What is Gochujang and where can I find it?
- Gochujang is a fermented Korean red chile paste, often described as the “spicy miso of Korean cooking.” It delivers a complex blend of spicy, savory, sweet, and umami flavors. You can find it in the Asian section of many grocery stores, at Asian markets, or online.
- What proteins can I use for Gochujang Lettuce Wraps?
- You can use a variety of proteins such as steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
- To make the sauce spicier, you can add extra gochujang or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. To make it milder, increase the amount of maple syrup or other sweeteners, or try adding a bit of ketchup to balance the heat.
- What vegetables work well in these lettuce wraps?
- Thinly sliced carrots and cucumber are great options, but you can also use radishes, bean sprouts, bell peppers, or avocados. The choice of veggies is flexible, so use what you enjoy or have available.
- Can I add other ingredients to the lettuce wraps?
- Yes, you can make the wraps more filling by adding cooked rice or grains. For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like peanuts. For a hint of sweetness, try adding chopped apples, pears, or grapes.
Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: Gochujang can vary in heat levels between brands. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to taste. If it ends up too spicy, you can balance the flavors by adding more maple syrup or even a touch of ketchup for sweetness and acidity.
- Customize Your Veggies and Protein: Feel free to use whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand. Besides the suggested options like cucumber and carrots, consider adding radishes, bean sprouts, or bell peppers. For proteins, you can choose between beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Enhance with Garnishes: Garnishes can elevate the flavor and presentation of your lettuce wraps. Consider adding toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and taste.
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: To enjoy the best texture and flavor, serve the lettuce wraps immediately after assembling while the protein is still warm and the lettuce is crisp.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Sauté Pan – Useful for stir-frying the protein and vegetables.
- Whisk – For mixing the gochujang sauce ingredients thoroughly.
