Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps (Gluten Free)

Make my quick and easy Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps for the perfect weeknight (or weekend), high protein recipe. I’m in love with the Asian inspired flavors and pretty much perfect textures in this recipe.

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve enjoyed lettuce wraps out at a restaurant. 99.9% of the time, they are not gluten free which stinks because I love eating them! This recipe for lettuce wraps with peanut sauce is totally PF Chang’s-inspired. The ones I used to have there were SO good! They have a 4 ingredient sauce as the base, then a separate peanut sauce I like to drizzle on top. I’ve been making them with my husband for over 5 years, and honestly, it is still one of our FAVORITE meals.

If you tried these Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps and loved them, try my Asian Ground Turkey Recipe, this Salmon Poke Bowl or my Gluten Free General Tso’s Chicken next!

What Are Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps?

These Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps are made with seasoned ground turkey, crisp veggies and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce infused with lime, sesame and a little spice.

I’ve designed mine to be a light, easy-going lunch option.

Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe

• I love that these high protein lettuce wraps with homemade peanut sauce don’t make a mountain of dishes.
• Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps is a quick enough recipe to make on a weeknight or Fridays when I’ve almost run out of energy to cook!
• The peanut sauce ties everything together. Rich and addictive.
• I like that these lettuce wraps with peanut sauce feel light but also filling.
• My Peanut Sauce Lettuce Cups are easy to customize with my favorite proteins and veggies.
• I make them for meal prep, parties and quick weeknight dinners. They are fun to assemble and pretty much everyone I make them for is now OBSESSED with them!

Ingredients and substitutions

Creamy peanut butter: I like to use natural peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor but any smooth variety works. If it’s too thick, a bit of warm water helps loosen it into a drizzleable sauce.

Gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos: I usually go for coconut aminos for these Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps.

Rice vinegar: This adds a little tang that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.

Maple syrup: A little runny honey works as an alternative.

Lime juice: I always use fresh lime juice; it just brightens everything up in these lettuce wraps with peanut sauce.

Sesame oil: I’m in love with the flavor a little sesame oil adds.

Ground ginger and garlic powder: Fresh garlic can work, too, but I try to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Bell peppers: I like using a mix of red and yellow peppers for color and sweetness, but any variety works.

Lean ground turkey: A great high protein option that absorbs all the sauce flavors beautifully. You can also use chicken or tofu for variety.

Onion: I prefer yellow onion in these lettuce wraps with peanut sauce but red ones are fine, too.

Coconut aminos: This is my go-to for umami flavor without the saltiness of regular soy sauce.

Hot honey sriracha: This gives the filling a sweet heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce.

Rice vinegar: Adds brightness to balance the savory sweet glaze.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, letting it coat the turkey and veggies perfectly.

Directions (step by step)

Make the creamy peanut sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut sauce ingredients and set aside.

Cook the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, add the ground turkey, and cook until fully browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the veggies: In the same skillet (or a clean one), heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced peppers and onions, and saute until soft and tender.

Add the liquid seasoning mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, hot honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture over the veggies and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Finish off the filling: Return the cooked turkey to the pan and toss to coat. Heat through for about 3 minutes.

Complete the peanut sauce lettuce cups: Serve warm in bowls with lettuce on the side. Drizzle peanut sauce over each lettuce wrap before eating.

Expert tips and tricks

• Prep everything right before cooking: When I have time to get it together, I make my peanut sauce, prep the veggies and get the protein ready. This just speeds up time.
• Get the texture right:  Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the turkey (or tofu) brown properly for the best flavor and slight crispiness.
• Balance the flavors: Taste your Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps as you go! A squeeze of lime juice or a bit of extra soy sauce or maple syrup can help adjust the sweet, salty and tangy balance perfectly.

Storage and meal prepping 

I generally keep my leftover Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps in the refrigerator for about 3 days. I keep the cooked filling and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers.

You can definitely freeze the filling for these Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps.

Variations

Sometimes I’ll go ahead and boost the flavors in my lettuce wraps with peanut sauce, with some lime juice or fresh lime wedges.

Try ground chicken, shredded chicken or tofu instead of turkey.

If I have extra veggies at home, I’ll add them in. Play around with carrots, bell peppers (red or orange), cucumber, cabbage or mushrooms.

I love sprinkling over chopped peanuts, crushed peanuts or roasted peanuts for extra texture over these low carb peanut butter lettuce wraps with veggies.

Use butter lettuce or bibb lettuce in these Peanut Sauce Lettuce Wraps instead.

Garnish with cilantro, mint or green onions for a bright, herbaceous layer of freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yup. Swap the turkey for tofu or your favorite plant based protein and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

How can I make these easy peanut sauce lettuce wraps with chicken spicier?

Add more hot honey sriracha, a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers to the filling or sauce for extra heat.

What kind of lettuce is best for peanut sauce lettuce wraps?

Personally, I like to use sturdy leaves that can hold the filling. Butter lettuce, also called Bibb or Boston lettuce works really well. Romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce are good, too.

Can I make peanut sauce lettuce wraps ahead of time?

I suggest making the filling and sauce ahead but building the lettuce wraps just as you’re ready to eat them.

Are peanut sauce lettuce wraps gluten free or keto?

My peanut sauce lettuce wraps are naturally gluten free if you use gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos. They can also be keto friendly by using a low carb sweetener instead of maple syrup or honey.

I love making these peanut sauce lettuce wraps because they’re quick and feel so fresh every time. They’re one of my go-to meals when I want something light.

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