Delicious and Healthy Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Hello foodies and flavor enthusiasts! Get ready to experience a taste of Vietnam with my Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Get ready for an explosion of flavors as we mix the succulent boneless pork loin, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to give you that mouth-watering taste. And with the addition of orange marmalade, rice vinegar, and scallions finely chopped into thin slices, your taste buds are in for a treat.
The best part? No need to travel all the way to Vietnam to have a taste of these wraps. This recipe is easy to make and it will leave you wanting more. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also healthy since it’s wrapped in lettuce leaves. It’s perfect for those following a Whole30 or Paleo diet as well.
Are you ready to switch things up and enjoy this tasty dish? Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring dinner options? Do you crave something fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat? Then look no further than this Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of boneless pork loin, scallions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
But that’s not all. This recipe also calls for lettuce leaves to be used in place of traditional bread or tortillas which makes it a healthy option. You can choose from red leaf or butter lettuce as per your preference. Trust me; the crispiness of lettuce leaves just adds to the delight of this dish.
What’s great about these lettuce wraps is that they are versatile too! You can customize them with different variations like adding fish sauce, rice vinegar or orange marmalade. You could also try adding spring onions or caramelized onions instead of scallions which completely transforms the dish without much hustle.
By choosing this recipe, you’re not only treating yourself and your taste buds but also providing your body with a nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. So go ahead, try out our Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps Recipe, and enjoy a delightful explosion of flavors!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these delicious pork and scallion lettuce wraps:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp orange marmalade (optional)
- ¼ cup cooked jasmine rice (optional)
For the Pork Filling:
- 1 lb boneless pork loin, sliced into thin strips
- 1 head red leaf or butter lettuce
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- Grilled pork or leftover cooked rice (optional)
- Sesame oil for stir-frying
For the Lettuce Wraps:
- Red leaf lettuce or butter lettuce leaves, washed and patted dry
Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your personal preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow my steps below for the perfect Vietnamese-style Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
To create a flavorful marinade for the pork, grab your food processor and put in 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, 2 scallions, white and green parts roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of black pepper and blend them together.
Once blended well, pour the marinade into a ziplock bag.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Take your 1-pound boneless pork loin and slice into thin strips. Place the meat strips into the plastic zipper bag with the marinade. Seal tightly and massage to fully coat everything. Marinate for at least one hour, but overnight is ideal.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Preheat your oven on a grill or grill pan on the stovetop to medium-high heat. Grill the slices of pork until slightly charred and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
While waiting for the pork to cook, make your dipping sauce by mixing together 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, finely chopped scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced, and 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade.
Step 5: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps
Serve your grilled pork in a separate plate or platter. Prepare lettuce cups by taking fresh leaves of red or butter lettuce, creating a bowl-shaped base for our filling.
Serving Suggestion: Fill each lettuce cup with a spoonful or two of the grilled pork, some chopped julienned carrots and some thinly sliced onions. Top it off with a drizzle of our sauce and/or serve extra on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delightful Vietnamese-style Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you ready to spice things up and add your creative touch to this recipe? Fear not, for there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations; let your taste buds be your guide!
Looking for a lighter option? Switch out the boneless pork loin for ground turkey or chicken. Leaner meats will reduce the calorie count while still maintaining the flavors of spices and seasonings that make this recipe so delicious.
For those who prefer a bit more heat, try adding some chili flakes to the pork marinade. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a tablespoon of Sriracha sauce will be sure to kick things up a notch!
Vegetarian or vegan? No worries! Instead of pork, use tofu or minced mushrooms as a protein substitute. You can make it even more flavorful by adding lots of herbs, such as coriander leaves and mint.
On the flip side, for meat-lovers out there, feel free to experiment with grilled beef or chicken in place of the pork. This would add more depth and complexity to the dish since this recipe’s flavors are versatile enough to accommodate various kinds of protein sources.
If you like a little crunchy texture in your meals, I recommend adding julienned carrots, sliced red onions or cucumber to wrap alongside thinly sliced scallions before rolling everything in butter lettuce. This will give a pleasant crunchiness and refreshing veggie taste that goes well with juicy pork.
Remember, when substituting or varying ingredients in any recipe, keep the same portion size for accurate measurement while still allowing room for personal modification – this way you’ll get the perfect Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wrap suitable for your personal taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, then you will love the delicious flavors in this dish. The pork and scallion lettuce wraps are a perfect light and refreshing meal that can be eaten as an appetizer or served as the main course. The combination of juicy pork, crunchy scallions, and fresh lettuce leaves makes for a satisfying and healthy dish that everyone will enjoy.
To serve this dish, I recommend placing the lettuce leaves on a platter alongside the cooked pork and scallions. This way, your guests can create their own lettuce wraps with their desired amount of filling. To add additional flavor, you can also top the pork with some fresh cilantro leaves or chopped peanuts.
This dish pairs well with many different side dishes such as steamed rice or vermicelli noodles. If you’re looking to add some extra crunch, you can also serve this dish alongside some crispy spring rolls or fried wontons. For drinks, I suggest pairing this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner.
Overall, these Vietnamese pork and scallion lettuce wraps are an excellent addition to any meal. They offer delicious and fresh flavors while also being easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try today?
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You know what’s the best thing about these Vietnamese pork and scallion lettuce wraps? They can be prepared way ahead of time and still taste just as delicious when reheated. So if you’re planning on hosting a party, or have a busy day ahead, make sure to keep this on your menu.
When it comes to make-ahead options, you can do a lot with these lettuce wraps recipe. You can prepare the meat mixture in advance by following the recipe directions up until the point where you would grill the pork. Simply place the meat strips in a plastic zipper bag or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days before use.
Before serving, grill or warm the marinated pork then serve it with fresh lettuce leaves. If you don’t have enough time to grill, you can cook the pork in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, making sure not to overcook it.
As for storing leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds until heated through and enjoy.
Remember that if you plan to make a large batch of the pork mixture for storing or freezing, be careful not to add more salt than necessary as it may intensify overtime. Instead, only add salt when you’re ready to reheat it.
With all of these diverse options, meal prep has never been easier! You’ll have something delicious prepped and ready for lunch, dinner or even snacking throughout the week. You’re welcome!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make these delicious Vietnamese pork and scallion lettuce wraps, I’m going to give you some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right lettuce for your wraps. Red leaf and butter lettuce are great options because they have large, pliable leaves that can hold a decent amount of filling. When washing your lettuce, be sure to dry it thoroughly so it doesn’t get soggy when you add the pork mixture.
Next, don’t overcook your pork. The boneless pork loin cooks quickly on a grill or in a pan, so be careful not to leave it on for too long or it will become tough and chewy. You want the pork to be juicy and tender, making each bite of your lettuce wrap absolutely irresistible.
Another crucial step is marinating the pork. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it. Use a plastic zipper bag or container to mix soy sauce, honey, pepper, sesame oil, garlic cloves, ginger, and scallions before adding the pork strips. For optimal tenderness and flavor infusion, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
When cooking the filling mixture on the stovetop, be diligent with stirring it frequently so that it evenly browns and cooks through. Make sure all components of the recipe are prepared ahead of time so you can assemble wraps quickly as this is a great finger food party dish.
Lastly, keep some extra rice vinegar handy for drizzling over your wraps as an acidic refreshment between bites. Garnish with whatever herbs float your boat: cilantro tops or mint leaves famously finish-off Vietnamese dishes with distinctively bright aromatics.
With these expert tips in mind, you’ll be able to create perfectly balanced and delicious Vietnamese pork and scallion lettuce wraps every time. Practice makes perfect so don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations until you discover your ideal flavor combo!
Bottom Line
And there you have it, my friends! A delectable Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and versatile nature, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
So don’t wait any longer to try out this mouth-watering dish. Trust me when I say that these lettuce wraps are worth it! And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try some of the variations or substitutions mentioned above to customize the recipe to your liking.
Now go turn up the heat, grab some scallions and pork loin, and let’s get cooking!
Vietnamese Pork and Scallion Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless pork loin, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 scallions
- 3/4 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (I prefer jasmine) or 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (I prefer jasmine)
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- butter lettuce (I prefer butter or red leaf) or red leaf lettuce, washed (I prefer butter or red leaf)
Instructions
- Place meat strips in plastic zipper bag.
- In food processor, blend soy sauce, honey, pepper, scallions, 3/4 tbsp sesame oil, garlic and ginger.
- Pour into bag and marinate meat for several hours.
- Take meat out of bag, reserving marinade.
- Stir fry meat until done.
- Take meat out of pan and cover.
- In pan, pour in rest of the marinade and the marmalade and vinegar.
- Boil over high heat for 1 minute.
- Layer rice, meat, and sauce on lettuce leaf.
- Wrap and enjoy!