Amy's Lettuce Wraps

A flavor-packed ground pork filling is wrapped into crispy lettuce leaves in this fun appetizer served with a customizable dipping sauce.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 320 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
• 8 ounces chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon red chile paste, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons water, divided
• 1 cup minced water chestnuts
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 0.125 teaspoon sesame oil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine 1/2 cup water and white sugar together in a small microwave-safe bowl. Warm in the microwave to dissolve sugar, about 30 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, and sesame oil; mix until dipping sauce is well-blended. Cover with plastic wrap and chill, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Combine dry mustard with a few drops of water. Mix in remaining water until mixture is the consistency of hot mustard.

Step 3

Whisk 2 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon rice vinegar in a small bowl to make stir-fry sauce.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add pork; cook and stir until browned, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, water chestnuts, mushrooms, green onions, and garlic; saute until flavors combine, about 2 minutes. Pour in stir-fry sauce; stir to coat pork mixture evenly, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5

Cut out lettuce stem and wash thoroughly. Discard outer leaf. Carefully peel off whole leaves and slice in half lengthwise. Arrange on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6

Scoop dipping sauce into small bowls or ramekins. Mix in hot mustard and red chile paste to desired level of spiciness. Spoon pork filling into lettuce halves and roll up; top or dip wraps with dipping sauce.