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- 8 ounces rice noodles - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - 8 large lettuce leaves - Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish To create Peanut Noodle Lettuce Wraps, gather these main ingredients. The rice noodles serve as the base. The creamy peanut butter gives richness and flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while sesame oil brings a nutty taste. Lime juice adds a fresh zing. Grated ginger and minced garlic add depth to the sauce. Then, the colorful veggies like carrots, bell pepper, and cucumber add crunch and nutrition. - Alternative vegetables for extra crunch - Spices or herbs to enhance flavor You can customize your wraps with optional ingredients. Try adding different veggies for more color and texture. Consider using radishes, snap peas, or even bean sprouts. Spices can give a kick; add chili flakes or sriracha for heat. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can brighten the dish. - Recommended garnishes - Pairing ideas (side dishes, drinks) For serving, sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of flavor. Pair these wraps with a light side salad or some steamed edamame for balance. For drinks, iced tea or a light beer complements the meal well. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of these wraps! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook rice noodles, follow the package instructions. Usually, you boil them in water for about 5–7 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down quickly. Make sure to toss them lightly to avoid clumping. To make a smooth peanut sauce, mix the following in a bowl: - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 clove garlic, minced Use a whisk or fork to blend well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. This will help reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust it to your liking. A little more lime juice can add brightness! For the wraps, take a large lettuce leaf. Place a generous amount of the noodle mixture in the center. To fill, use about half a cup of noodles and veggies. Then, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra crunch and flavor. To fold the wrap, lift the sides of the lettuce leaf up and over the filling. You want to create a little pocket. Serve the wraps on a plate. They look great when arranged neatly, ready for your guests! - Overcooking noodles: Cooking rice noodles too long makes them mushy. Follow the package time closely. Rinse them under cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking and keeps them firm. - Not mixing sauce adequately: A good sauce is key. If you don't mix it well, some bites might taste bland. Make sure to blend the peanut butter, soy sauce, and other ingredients until smooth. This ensures every noodle has flavor. - Suggestions for adding spice: If you like heat, try adding chili flakes or sriracha. A little goes a long way. Start small, then taste. You can always add more if you want. - Fresh herbs and citrus options: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to your wraps. Try adding mint or basil for a twist. A squeeze of lime juice before serving can also elevate the flavor. It adds a fresh zing that balances the richness of the peanut sauce. - Prepping noodles and filling in advance: You can cook the noodles and make the filling a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. This saves time when you're ready to serve. - Best practices for storage until serving: Keep everything in airtight containers. This keeps the noodles from drying out. When you're ready, just assemble the wraps. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Pro Tips Use Cold Noodles: After cooking, rinsing the noodles under cold water not only stops the cooking process but also makes them easier to handle and helps the sauce adhere better. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce is too thick, adding a splash of water or extra lime juice can help achieve the perfect consistency for coating the noodles. Fresh Herbs Matter: Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the wraps, elevating the dish to a new level. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas for added color and crunch in your wraps. {{image_2}} You can easily make these wraps plant-based. Just swap the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free meal. For protein, try using tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Simply cube firm tofu or tempeh and sauté until golden. Toss them into the noodle mix for a hearty bite. To keep this meal gluten-free, choose rice noodles or other gluten-free varieties. Always check the labels of sauces. Many soy sauces contain gluten, so look for tamari or coconut aminos. These provide great flavor without gluten. For an Asian-inspired twist, add different sauces like hoisin or sweet chili. You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage for crunch. Try adding shrimp or chicken for extra protein. Feel free to get creative with flavor combinations! To keep your peanut noodle lettuce wraps fresh, store them in proper containers. I recommend using airtight containers. These help seal in moisture and flavor. Place the noodles and veggies in one container and the peanut sauce in another. This keeps everything from getting soggy. Store your leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the noodles smell or look off, it’s best to toss them. When reheating, I suggest using a microwave or a stovetop pan. For the microwave, place the noodles on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps keep them moist and prevents drying out. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If using a pan, add a splash of water to the noodles. Stir them over medium heat until warm. Always ensure the food reaches a safe temperature of 165°F for safe eating. You can freeze the peanut sauce or noodles separately. For the sauce, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. For the noodles, cook them slightly less than usual to keep them firm after thawing. Thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight before using. For noodles, run them under warm water to separate. They will taste just as good when you’re ready to eat again! Yes, you can use other noodles if you want. Soba noodles are a great choice. They add a nice flavor and work well. Zucchini noodles are another fun option. They are low in carbs and fresh. Just remember to cook soba noodles for a few minutes. For zucchini, you can spiralize and serve them raw. These wraps can last about three days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. Look for signs like wilting leaves or a sour smell. If you see those, it’s best to toss them out. If you need a peanut butter alternative, try sunflower seed butter. It has a similar creamy texture. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter if you like. Just check for nut allergies before you serve. This blog post covered how to make tasty lettuce wraps using rice noodles and peanut sauce. We discussed key ingredients and different options for spices and veggies. I shared steps to cook the noodles, mix the sauce, and assemble the wraps perfectly. Keep these tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can adapt this dish for diet needs, and I shared how to store leftovers for later. Enjoy making these easy and delicious wraps at home!

Peanut Noodle Lettuce Wraps

A fresh and flavorful dish featuring rice noodles wrapped in lettuce leaves with a creamy peanut sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rice noodles
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 8 large lettuce leaves
  • to taste chopped peanuts
  • to taste fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Toss the cooled noodles with the peanut sauce until they are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and cucumber. Add the coated noodles and mix until everything is well combined.
  • To assemble the wraps, take a lettuce leaf and fill it with a generous amount of the peanut noodle mixture.
  • Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added crunch and flavor.
  • Fold the lettuce leaves to create a little wrap, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword noodle wraps, peanut sauce, vegetarian