If you are craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a creamy, slightly spicy kick, then you must try this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It combines tender prawns, crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs all brought together by a luscious peanut sauce that feels indulgent yet light. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a fun shareable dinner, these wraps are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, promising a satisfying and colorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simple, clean ingredients that each add their own special magic to the dish. From juicy prawns to crunchy herbs and zesty pickled veggies, every element works in harmony to create an irresistible bite.
- 300g peeled cooked prawns/shrimp: The star protein that offers sweetness and a delicate texture.
- 75g dried vermicelli noodles: Light and springy, these noodles soak up flavors without overwhelming.
- 12 large or 16-20 small lettuce leaves: Crisp and refreshing, they act as the perfect edible vessel for all the fillings.
- Quick pickled carrots and daikon: Adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 cups beansprouts: Fresh and crisp for extra texture and subtle earthiness.
- 2 cucumbers, julienned: Cool and hydrating, balancing out the spice.
- 2 cups mint leaves: Bright and fragrant, lifting each bite with herbal notes.
- 2 cups coriander/cilantro sprigs: Adds a citrusy, slightly peppery punch that enhances every flavor.
- 3 birds eye red chilies (optional): For those who like a little heat and vibrancy.
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a deep nutty flavor.
- 2 tbsp natural smooth peanut butter: The creamy base of our peanut sauce, rich but not sweetened.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and umami depth.
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice: Offers the perfect zesty tang; adjust to your taste.
- 1/3 cup low fat coconut milk: Adds smooth creaminess and a subtle tropical note.
- 1 large garlic clove, finely grated: Gives a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp sambal oelek: Optional chili paste to bring some heat.
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce: Adds savory depth.
- 1 tsp white sugar: Balances acidity and spice perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential to season and tie all flavors together.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin batons: Fresh for pickling or plain crunch.
- 1/2 large white radish (daikon), peeled and cut like carrots: Sharp and crisp for pickling.
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water, 1/2 cup white sugar, 4 tsp kosher salt, 3/4 cup rice wine vinegar: For making the quick pickle brine that brightens the veggies.
How to Make Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Quick Pickle the Carrots and Daikon
The first step sets the tone for the crunch and brightness in the wraps. Mix boiling water, salt, and sugar until dissolved, then add rice wine vinegar to create a tangy brine. Submerge thinly sliced carrots and daikon in this mixture and let them soak for at least two hours. This quick pickling infuses the veggies with a lively zing, balancing the rich peanut sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
While your pickles are soaking, combine smooth peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, coconut milk, grated garlic, sambal oelek, dark soy, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until silky and well-blended. Letting the sauce sit allows all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully, ready to add that creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy punch to the wraps.
Step 3: Prep the Prawns
Cut your cooked prawns in half horizontally and remove the veins if you haven’t done so already. This not only makes them easier to eat but ensures each bite is neat and packed with juicy seafood goodness. The delicate sweetness of these prawns is key to the overall harmony of the dish.
Step 4: Soak the Vermicelli Noodles
Soak the dried vermicelli noodles in boiling water following the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly because you want the noodles to be light and airy instead of clumpy, providing a subtle chewiness beneath all the crunchy vegetables.
Step 5: Lay Everything Out
Grab a large platter or several small bowls and arrange all your components: lettuce leaves, noodles, pickled veggies, cucumbers, beansprouts, prawns, herbs, chili, chopped peanuts, and peanut sauce. This not only looks wonderful but invites everyone to customize their own wraps. It’s such a joyful way to enjoy this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe with friends or family.
Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy
To build your wrap, start by layering a lettuce leaf with a small handful of noodles, followed by your choice of vegetables like pickled carrots and bean sprouts. Top with prawns, add a handful of fresh herbs down the side, drizzle generously with peanut sauce, then sprinkle with crunchy peanuts and chili slices if you like heat. Roll it up tightly and enjoy that sensational burst of textures and flavors!
How to Serve Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint and coriander are a must to garnish these wraps; they add an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Extra chopped peanuts also give a satisfying crunch, and a few thinly sliced red chilies offer those who love spice a welcome kick to round out the flavors.
Side Dishes
These wraps make a fantastic light meal on their own, but if you want to serve sides, consider a simple bowl of hot miso soup or a fresh papaya salad. The balance of hot, sweet, sour, and nutty notes on your plate will create a delightful Vietnamese-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve all the components individually and let guests assemble their own wraps. Alternatively, you can roll some pre-made wraps and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy finger food at gatherings. Either way, this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe shines as a beautifully colorful and interactive dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover components separately for best freshness; keep the peanut sauce refrigerated in an airtight container, the pickled vegetables submerged in their brine, and the prawns chilled in a sealed vessel. Lettuce leaves are best kept dry and wrapped in paper towel inside a container to preserve their crispness.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended, especially for the lettuce and fresh herbs which lose their texture. However, you can freeze raw prawns in advance before cooking and assembling the wraps.
Reheating
If you want to reheat the prawns or noodles, do so gently to avoid drying them out; a brief warm-up in the microwave with a splash of water or quick toss on the stove will do. Avoid reheating the lettuce, herbs, or peanut sauce as they are best served fresh and cool.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of prawns in this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled or poached chicken breast sliced thinly makes a great alternative and pairs well with the peanut sauce and fresh veggies.
Is the peanut sauce very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable depending on how much sambal oelek or chili you add; you can omit the chili paste entirely for a mild sauce or increase it if you like heat.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge; the flavors actually deepen after sitting for a while, making it even more delicious.
What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?
Typically, baby cos (romaine), butter lettuce, or iceberg are perfect because they are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings yet tender and crisp.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
They can be with a few ingredient swaps like using gluten-free hoisin sauce and soy sauce, and checking your vermicelli noodles are rice-based without wheat.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a meal that delights the senses, offers freshness, and packs a flavorful punch, this Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a must-try. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a go and enjoy every bright, crunchy, nutty bite!
