appetizers

Low Carb Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Low Carb Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with bold flavors and perfect for a healthy, keto-friendly meal! Made with juicy ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory Thai-inspired sauce, they’re easy to make and great for meal prep. Enjoy them as a light appetizer or serve with rice for a more filling meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (e.g., Truvia or stevia)
  • 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
  • A dash of sriracha

For Thickening:

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water

For Serving:

  • 12 leaves green leaf or butter lettuce
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, onion, and carrots. Sauté until softened.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar substitute, peanut butter, and sriracha. Mix well until a sauce forms.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the chicken mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
  5. Assemble & Serve: Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Carbohydrates: ~4g
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Sodium: ~350mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With just a few grams of carbs per serving, these wraps are ideal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
  • Bold Thai Flavors: A combination of soy sauce, peanut butter, and sriracha creates a rich, savory, and slightly spicy filling.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick, healthy meal throughout the week.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

The Secret to Flavorful Thai Chicken Filling

The key to making these lettuce wraps taste authentic is in the balance of flavors. Here’s what makes the filling so irresistible:

  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic, onions, and carrots sautéed in sesame oil create a deep, savory base.
  • Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, making it juicy and flavorful.
  • Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: These ingredients add salty, umami depth with a slight tanginess.
  • Brown Sugar Substitute: A keto-friendly sweetener helps mimic the slight sweetness found in traditional Thai sauces.
  • Natural Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty richness that brings everything together.
  • Sriracha: Just a dash gives the dish a subtle heat—add more if you love spice!

Choosing the Best Lettuce for Wraps

Using the right type of lettuce is essential for making sturdy, yet fresh and crunchy wraps. Here are the best options:

  • Butter Lettuce: Soft, flexible, and naturally cup-shaped, making it the best choice for holding the filling.
  • Green Leaf Lettuce: A slightly sturdier option with a mild, fresh taste.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Works well if you prefer a crunchier wrap.
  • Iceberg Lettuce: Provides the most crunch but can be a bit tricky to fold without breaking.

For the best results, rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves before assembling your wraps to keep them crisp.

How to Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency

The sauce is what brings all the flavors together, and getting the right consistency is key. Here’s how to ensure it thickens perfectly:

  • Use a Cornstarch Slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan prevents lumps and creates a smooth sauce.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Letting the sauce cook for a couple of minutes allows it to thicken naturally.
  • Stir Constantly: This helps distribute the ingredients evenly, so the sauce coats the chicken perfectly.

Best Toppings and Garnishes for Extra Flavor

Lettuce wraps taste great on their own, but adding toppings can elevate the dish even more:

  • Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty crunch and make the dish look extra appetizing.
  • Sliced Green Onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and fresh contrast.
  • Chopped Peanuts: Enhance the peanut flavor while adding texture.
  • Extra Sriracha: If you love spice, drizzle some extra sriracha over the wraps.
  • Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a bright, tangy finish.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Thai Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are light and refreshing on their own, but pairing them with a complementary side dish can turn them into a full meal. Here are some great options:

  • Cauliflower Fried Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice that pairs well with Thai flavors.
  • Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy can be served on the side for extra nutrients.
  • Egg Drop Soup: A warm, light soup that balances out the crispiness of the lettuce wraps.
  • Zucchini Noodles: A great low-carb option if you want something a bit more filling.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These lettuce wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but the filling can be made in advance and stored for later use.

  • Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting.
  • Freezing: The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Ways to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adapted to fit your preferences:

  • Use a Different Protein: Ground turkey, beef, or even tofu can be used instead of chicken.
  • Make It Spicier: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Try a Different Sweetener: If you don’t have a brown sugar substitute, use honey (if not strictly keto) or monk fruit sweetener.
  • Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts can add more texture and nutrients.
  • Make It Vegan: Swap the chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Why These Lettuce Wraps Are a Healthy Choice

Not only are these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps packed with flavor, but they also offer numerous health benefits:

  • High in Protein: With around 22g of protein per serving, they help keep you full and support muscle growth.
  • Low in Carbs: With only 4g of carbohydrates per serving, they fit perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
  • Rich in Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and peanut butter provide good fats that promote heart health.
  • Packed with Vitamins: The fresh veggies and lettuce add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

Low Carb Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are an easy, healthy, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a meal prep-friendly dish, these wraps deliver on both taste and nutrition.

With their balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, these wraps satisfy cravings while keeping meals light and wholesome. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

 

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