Lettuce wraps are an easy go-to if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal option.
Not only are they packed with vitamins and minerals, but they are also the perfect way to satisfy your hunger without overindulging.
Plus, there are plenty of creative ways to customize the flavor of your wrap – from savory filling options like grilled chicken or spicy beef to even sweet options like nut butter and honey.
But what to serve with lettuce wraps together? The right side dish! Read on to discover our favorite sides that pair perfectly with lettuce wraps.
What Are Lettuce Wraps?
Lettuce wraps are a simple, healthy and tasty meal option.
They are made with lettuce leaves instead of bread or tortillas, providing a low-calorie and gluten-free alternative to traditional wraps.
The filling can vary greatly but usually consists of protein (such as chicken, beef or shrimp), vegetables and seasonings.
The lettuce, usually iceberg or romaine, is used as the wrap and held together with toothpicks.
Lettuce wraps are ideal for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake and can be served as a lunch, dinner or snack.
They offer an easy way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.
Plus, they are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch.
Lettuce wraps are also great for entertaining and can be enjoyed by everyone, even those following special diets.
What To Serve With Lettuce Wraps?
So, what to serve with lettuce wraps? Lettuce wraps are a light and healthy meal option that can be served with several sides.
To make your lettuce wraps extra special, try pairing them with some of these delicious ideas:
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a Chinese dish consisting of small dumplings known as wontons, filled with meats and vegetables, floating in a broth.
The soup can be served with or without noodles, but it’s often enjoyed with lettuce wraps.
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Lettuce wraps are made from crunchy iceberg leaves filled with cooked meat, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
The combination of the light soup with the crunchy lettuce and savory filling makes this dish a favorite among Chinese food lovers.
It’s also a healthy option as it is lower in calories and fat than other dishes that use deep-fried ingredients.
Eating wonton soup with lettuce wraps can be an interesting way to enjoy the same dish differently.
The lettuce wraps offer a crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings and savory broth, giving this classic Chinese soup an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Chicken Dumplings
Chicken dumplings are Chinese dishes made with small pieces of chicken and vegetables, usually wrapped in a thin, delicate dough.
The filling can vary according to personal taste and preference but typically includes ground or shredded chicken, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic and ginger.
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Dumplings can be boiled or steamed for a few minutes or fried for a crunchier texture.
Serving chicken dumplings with lettuce wraps is a popular way to enjoy this dish.
The lettuce acts as an edible bowl and helps to keep the dumplings warm and moist.
The freshness of the lettuce also adds lightness and crunchiness to the meal that can’t be achieved with the dough alone.
The lettuce adds a layer of flavor that pairs nicely with the savory filling inside the dumplings.
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a popular seafood dish that consists of breaded or battered shrimp coated in coconut flakes.
The combination of the sweet, crunchy coconut flakes with the succulent, juicy shrimp makes this dish a favorite among seafood lovers.
Coconut shrimp can be served as an appetizer, entree, snack, or side dish.
When served with lettuce wraps, the contrast of flavors and textures between the crunchy coconut shrimp and soft lettuce creates an enjoyable culinary experience.
This dish with lettuce wraps offers a lower calorie option than fried or oil-based side dishes.
Coconut shrimp is also very versatile and can be served with various sauces, dips, and condiments, ranging from sweet fruit salsas to spicy mayo.
Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp Tempura is a popular Japanese dish made of deep-fried battered shrimp.
It is light and crispy, with a delicate flavor from the combination of tempura batter and sweet shrimp.
The dish is usually served as an appetizer or snack but can also be served with lettuce wraps for a delicious meal.
The lettuce wraps provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the tempura, making it a perfect combination.
The lettuce adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that can help tie together other ingredients in the wrap, such as vegetables or sauces.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish consisting of stir-fried noodles with various ingredients such as shrimp, tofu, egg, garlic, shallots, tamarind sauce, fish sauce and peanuts.
It can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
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Pad Thai is often served with lettuce wraps to make it easier to eat and give it a more visually appealing presentation.
The lettuce wraps add crunch and texture contrast to the dish and provide a lighter and healthier alternative for those looking for something different than bread or rice.
It also helps keep the dish from becoming too dry, making it easier to eat. Additionally, adding fresh herbs such as coriander and mint gives Pad Thai a fragrant flavor.
Beef Fajitas
Beef Fajitas is a Mexican dish with marinated beef strips, bell peppers and onions served on a hot skillet or griddle.
They are usually served as an entrée with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other garnishes.
The idea of serving Beef Fajitas in lettuce wraps is to reduce the number of carbs and calories from traditional tortillas, providing a healthier alternative.
Lettuce wraps also provide a crunchy texture that complements the savory beef and other ingredients in Beef Fajitas.
They are also an excellent way to add fresh vegetables and fiber to your meal.
Additionally, lettuce wraps can be enjoyed by gluten-free people who want to reduce their intake.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is stir-fried cooked rice with various items, including meats, eggs, and vegetables.
It’s often seasoned with soy sauce or other sauces, giving it an appetizing flavor.
Fried Rice is typically served hot and can be eaten on its own or as part of a larger meal.
Serving Fried Rice with lettuce wraps is a popular way to enjoy the dish.
The crunchy lettuce contrasts the soft, flavorful fried rice, and the wrap makes it easy to eat.
Additionally, adding some fresh vegetables to the lettuce wrap adds more flavor and texture.
Lettuce wraps are a great way to make Fried Rice a complete meal.
Adding protein, such as chicken or shrimp, and extra vegetables can turn your rice into a satisfying main dish.
Cheese Dip
Cheese Dip is a popular dish that combines cheese, cream, and spices to create a creamy, savory dip.
It’s usually served with lettuce wraps – either as an appetizer or snack – because it provides a flavorful and satisfying flavor that pairs well with the freshness of the lettuce.
The combination can be quite delicious and will surely be a hit at any gathering or party.
Cheese Dip is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies – the creamy texture of the cheese and spices can often entice them into trying something new.
Additionally, it’s an easy and quick dish that requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it ideal for busy households.
Finally, Cheese Dip is a great way to boost the protein content of a meal or snack.
FAQs
Are Lettuce Wraps Better For Your Health Than Bread?
Yes, lettuce wraps are usually lower in calories and carbohydrates than bread.
Lettuce wraps also provide a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. Additionally, lettuce wraps often contain fewer preservatives than traditional bread.
What Do Koreans Serve With Lettuce Wraps?
Koreans typically serve lettuce wraps with a variety of side dishes.
These side dishes usually include pickled vegetables like kimchi, sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, seasoned tofu or egg, stir-fried bean sprouts, garlic chives, steamed eggs, and other traditional accompaniments such as sesame oil or spicy chili paste.
Which Lettuce Kind Is Ideal For Lettuce Wraps?
The best lettuce types for lettuce wraps are butterhead, iceberg, and romaine.
These lettuce varieties hold their shape well when filled with ingredients and provide a great crunchy texture.
Other lettuces that can be used include bibb and green leaf, but they tend to be more delicate and may not hold up.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with lettuce wraps. Lettuce wraps are a versatile dish that can be served with various ingredients.
They provide a crunchy, light and refreshing contrast to many dishes, making them an ideal accompaniment for main courses such as Pad Thai, Beef Fajitas, Fried Rice and Cheese Dip.
Not only do lettuce wraps add texture and flavor to the meal, but they are also an easy and convenient way to reduce calories, carbs and fat while adding freshness and fiber.
By incorporating lettuce wraps into your dishes, you can create healthy and satisfying and delicious meals.
