Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wraps, personalized to suit their tastes.

Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful dish that combines tender ground pork with a variety of crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs. This dish is known for its vibrant colors, aromatic ingredients, and the refreshing use of lettuce as a wrapping element. Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its balance of flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients, and these lettuce wraps showcase those qualities.

Lettuce wraps, known as “bánh tráng cuốn” in Vietnamese, are a popular street food in Vietnam. They are a part of the country’s rich culinary heritage and reflect the Vietnamese love for fresh, light, and healthy dishes. Lettuce wraps have gained popularity worldwide for their versatility and ability to incorporate a variety of fillings, including pork, chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetarian options.

Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are often enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a shared meal. The combination of tender ground pork, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves creates a delightful texture and flavor experience. This dish embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

PREP: 25 MIN. + STANDING

COOK: 10 MIN.

MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• ½ medium onion, cut into thin slices

FOR FILLING:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)

FOR ASSEMBLE:

• 8 Bibb lettuce leaves
• ½ English cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro, and mint (combined)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• ¼ cup salted peanuts, chopped
• Hoisin sauce
• Lime wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, mix white vinegar, sugar, and salt until blended. Stir in julienned carrots and thinly sliced onion; let the mixture stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground pork, minced ginger, and minced garlic over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until the pork is no longer pink, breaking up the pork into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Stir in soy sauce, mirin, salt, pepper, and, if desired, fish sauce.
3. To assemble, drain the carrot mixture. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in each Bibb lettuce leaf. Top with finely chopped cucumber, finely chopped sweet red pepper, chopped green onions, carrot mixture, and a sprinkle of fresh basil, cilantro, and mint. Add some finely chopped jalapeno and chopped peanuts. Drizzle with hoisin sauce and squeeze lime juice over the top. Fold the lettuce over the filling.

Enjoy the Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps by picking them up and savoring the combination of flavors and textures. These wraps offer a delightful mix of savory, crunchy, and refreshing elements, making them a popular choice for those seeking a lighter and more vibrant dining experience.