Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with these mouthwatering Asian-inspired vegetarian lettuce wraps that are not just a feast for your palate, but a nutritional powerhouse that'll keep you energized and satisfied! Imagine crisp, fresh butter lettuce leaves cradling a vibrant mix of fluffy quinoa, colorful vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce that brings every bite to life – all prepared in just 35 minutes and perfect for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Separate butter lettuce leaves carefully, rinsing and patting dry with paper towels to create clean wrap bases.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, rinse quinoa, combine with water in a 1:2 ratio, bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until fluffy and water is absorbed.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced bell peppers and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but retain some crunch.
- Mix in cooked quinoa, stirring to combine with vegetables. Pour soy sauce and rice vinegar over the mixture, tossing to evenly coat and incorporate flavors.
- Remove skillet from heat and let mixture cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. This prevents lettuce leaves from wilting when filling.
- Spoon quinoa vegetable mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- For meal prep, store filling and lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Tips
- Lettuce Leaf Selection: Choose the most intact, largest butter lettuce leaves for the best wrap experience. Gently separate leaves to avoid tearing.
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Vegetable Crunch Hack: Don't overcook your bell peppers and carrots – you want them slightly tender but still maintaining a nice crisp texture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra umami kick, consider adding a small amount of sriracha or chili sauce to your soy sauce mixture.
- Meal Prep Magic: Keep your lettuce leaves and filling separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess. This ensures crisp, fresh wraps every time.
- Storage Wisdom: These wraps are best consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add protein like tofu or swap quinoa for cauliflower rice for different dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
