Imagine a dish that combines the bold kick of sriracha, the juicy tenderness of perfectly cooked meatballs, and the crisp freshness of butter lettuce - all in one irresistible bite! These Sticky Sriracha Meatball Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that will transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an Asian-inspired culinary adventure, this recipe promises to deliver excitement on a plate.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-14 meatballs.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve even browning and internal temperature of 160°F.
- While meatballs are cooking, gently separate and wash butter lettuce leaves, patting dry with paper towels to create perfect wrapping vessels.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining sriracha sauce with 2 tablespoons of honey to create a sticky glaze. Brush this mixture over cooked meatballs during the final minutes of cooking.
- Remove meatballs from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter and place meatballs inside each leaf. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to wrap and enjoy their own lettuce-wrapped meatballs.
Tips
- Use freshly ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 blend) for juicier meatballs
- When mixing ingredients, be gentle to avoid tough meatballs - mix just until combined
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for food safety
- Let meatballs rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the meat mixture
- Choose crisp, large butter lettuce leaves for the best wrapping experience
- Adjust sriracha quantity based on your heat tolerance
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
