This article was updated on the 4th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your lettuce wraps, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 20 of the most popular side dishes for lettuce wraps.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with lettuce wraps are crispy rice noodles, cauliflower fried rice, pico de gallo, and egg rolls. Try bean sprout salad, sauteed mushrooms, eggplant stir fry, and shrimp ceviche for healthier options. You can also serve kung pao chicken, wonton soup, and potstickers.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Main Dishes
Think lettuce wraps alone won’t fill you up? Complete the meal with these delicious main dishes. I love homemade fried rice, but why not try using cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb?
Or try classic favorites like orange chicken and pad thai!
Cauliflower Fried Rice
5.0 ⭐️ (56 ratings) | 15 mins
Do you want to make your lettuce wraps a more filling meal without being too calorific?
This cauliflower fried rice is the way t o go. It’s not an exact rice replacement, but it’s close enough to fool most people, even kids! The faux “grains” are tender and they soak up any flavor you add.
I use frozen riced cauliflower for convenience, but you can also blitz an entire head with a food processor.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious! And so easy to make too. I “blitzed” a cauliflower coz I can’t get cauliflower rice here (Scotland).”
“This was great! I used frozen cauliflower rice, thawed it out in the microwave and patted it dry. The ginger really makes it perfect. I added shrimp and mushrooms.”
“Wow. This was a game changer- husband approved. Perfect to satisfy that craving for fried rice.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pad Thai
4.8 ⭐️ (122 ratings) | 30 mins
Turn your lettuce wraps into a hearty meal with a generous helping of Pad Thai on the side. It’s a noodle dish packed with salty, nutty flavors and contrasting textures.
Another great thing about this noodle dish is how customizable it is. Pad Thai usually features shrimp, but you can also use chicken, beef, or even tofu if you want to keep the meal meatless.
The possibilities are endless with this dish.
What readers are saying…
“The flavors are amazing. I have to work on using rice noodles, but I’m making this again!”
“Very saucy and extremely tasty! Thanks!”
“This is an excellent creamy peanutty sauce! Delish.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Zucchini Pad Thai
🇹🇭 Thai Stir-Fried Noodles (Pad See Ew)
🇨🇳 Chow Mein
Shrimp Ceviche
4.9 ⭐️ (19 ratings) | 40 mins
Brighten your plain lettuce wraps with a serving of shrimp ceviche on the side. This recipe features cooked shrimp marinated in citrus, so even kids and ceviche newbies can enjoy it.
It brings an acidic and refreshing bite, perfect for lettuce wraps that are filled with bold flavors.
And the best part is this shrimp ceviche is incredibly easy to make, ideal for those busy weeknight dinners.
What readers are saying…
“Love this recipe. Perfect for these hot summer days. My husband can’t get enough of it. Thank you.”
“I made this today for a bbq. Everyone loved it! Will make again.”
“Oh my gosh your ceviche has been a hit twice in one week. Thank you so much.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kung Pao Chicken
4.6 ⭐️ (19 ratings) | 20 mins
Planning a Chinese takeaway-inspired dinner? You can’t go wrong with serving lettuce wraps and kung pao chicken.
This classic Chinese takeaway dish is famous for a reason – it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, spicy, and salty flavors. Yum!
Rasa Malaysia uses Chinese black vinegar in the kung pao sauce, but you can swap it for rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
What readers are saying…
“I have been making this recipe for over a year. It is soooo good.”
“I made this last night for the first time and it was delicious!! Thank you for the recipe, tips, and video–they gave me the confidence to try it and it was so good.”
“LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! Great recipe, the flavors are on point.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Beef Satay
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 1 hr
Beef satay is another fun and tasty main dish you can enjoy with your lettuce wraps.
Kitchen Sanctuary uses Denver beef because it’s naturally flavorful. But the real game changer for these skewers is the marinade, which infuses the meat with a sweet-salty kick that makes them highly addictive.
And if that’s not enough, this recipe includes a peanut dipping sauce that takes these skewers up a notch.
Pro-tip: Soak the wooden skewers to prevent them from burning when you’re grilling.
What readers are saying…
“We made this tonight, and it was amazing!”
“Easy to make ahead of time and tasted delicious, thank you!”
“Made and cooked these on the bbq last night, happy faces all around.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fillings and Toppings
Beef up your lettuce wraps with these tasty fillings and toppings!
Rice noodles are a must whenever I serve lettuce wraps, but you can also go with something lighter like pickled veggies.
Or why not add a Mexican twist with a topping of fresh pico de gallo?
Crispy Rice Noodles
4.2 ⭐️ (109 ratings) | 13 mins
Jazz up your lettuce wraps with these fried rice noodles. They’re simple, but they add an enjoyable crunch to your lettuce wraps.
And they’re easy to make — you just need to ensure that your oil is hot enough, so the noodles puff up and become crispy. Pop a handful over your lettuce wraps and enjoy the contrasting textures in every bite!
Psst… I won’t blame you if you end up snacking on these noodles too. They’re highly addictive on their own.
What the chef says…
“Crispy noodles should be eaten the same day or stored in a plastic food storage container overnight or longer (no need to refrigerate). How long they will stay crispy depends largely on the climate and level of humidity where you live.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sauteed Mushrooms
5.0 ⭐️ (28 ratings) | 20 mins
These sauteed mushrooms are a quick and easy dish that’ll make your lettuce wraps more exciting.
What makes this side dish special is the balsamic sauce used to cook the mushrooms. This infuses them with extra umami flavors, making them richer and tastier.
And the best part? It’ll only take 20 minutes to have these sauteed mushrooms from your kitchen to the dining table.
What readers are saying…
“My favorite mushrooms recipe , ever!!!! Absolutely amazing.”
“OMG!! if you love mushrooms like I do, you have to try this. Add some crushed red pepper and BAM!! Great recipe. Will be making it more often.”
“I loved these mushrooms so much! I could make a meal of just them!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pico de Gallo
5.0 ⭐️ (235 ratings) | 15 mins
You can’t make taco-inspired lettuce wraps without a side of pico de gallo.
This is a no-cook dish that packs a zesty punch, thanks to the combination of juicy tomatoes, sharp onions, mildly spicy jalapenos, and lime juice.
I also like adding ripe mango cubes for a bit of sweetness to round out my pico’s flavor.
Psst… for a more flavorful pico de gallo, let it sit for at least a day in the fridge to let the flavors mingle and develop.
What readers are saying…
“This was delicious. My family loved it. I doubled the recipe. There was nothing left. I didn’t get a chance to do it the night before. It was still amazing.“
“Very authentic, amazing taste, this is a recipe you will definitely keep.“
“I made them in few days ago. My husband and stepson love it! It is so fresh than at the grocery store. Definitely will make them again for next time to make Mexican food.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Quick Pickled Daikon and Carrot
5.0 ⭐️ (22 ratings) | 15 mins
Break the flavor monotony of your lettuce wraps with these pickled carrots and radishes.
The veggies are soaked in a pickling solution for at least 3 to 4 hours, infusing them with a lip-smacking sweet-tangy kick that brightens your lettuce wraps.
Another thing I love about these quick pickled carrots and radishes is they can last for a couple of weeks in the fridge, so you can also use your leftovers to jazz up other savory dishes. I love using these pickles for burgers too.
What readers are saying…
“I love these pickles and have made them for a couple of years now! Hot-tip: add sliced Korean peppers (if you can find them) or sliced fresh jalapenos. It really ups the flavor.”
“Excellent, easy recipe and perfect proportions. I’ve made it with both daikon and substituted thinly sliced sweet onion when I didn’t have daikon.”
“I tried your recipe for the Korean Daikon Carrot pickle. It turned out great. Almost taste like the pickle I get at my favorite KBBQ place.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
These roasted bell peppers are the effortless side dish you’re looking for.
They take time to cook, but the wait is worth it. You’ll get smoky, garlicky tender bell peppers that instantly elevate your humble lettuce wraps.
Plus, this dish mainly involves hands-off cooking, so you can prepare your lettuce wraps while your bell peppers are roasting.
What readers are saying…
“So easy and delicious. The only thing I added was about a teaspoon of red wine vinegar. This will be a weekly staple at our home.”
“Very good and beautiful! “
“Thank you for this. I thought marinated peppers required a much more complicated process. I don’t digest raw peppers very well anymore, but I do enjoy marinated roasted peppers!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Appetizers and Snacks
Lettuce wraps can be a meal on their own, but they’re even better when enjoyed with these tasty treats! You can never go wrong with a platter of egg rolls, but fresh spring rolls are also a great option if you want something healthier.
Or go with a piping hot bowl of egg drop soup for a heartwarming meal.
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
4.4 ⭐️ (8 ratings) | 45 mins
Make your meal tastier by serving these egg rolls alongside your lettuce wraps.
The beauty of homemade egg rolls is that you can fill them with anything you want. You can go traditional with a Chinese-style pork filling. Or you can get creative and fill these rolls with rice, steak, onions, and cheese.
These treats are traditionally deep-fried to achieve that crunchy bite, but making them in the air fryer yields the same results but less greasy!
What readers are saying…
“These were great! I used slaw mixture for the cabbage with carrots, making that part a lil easier!”
“Awesome!!! Will ABSOLUTELY make again and again! Only thing I added was 1 tbsp sesame oil.“
“Love it!!!! Was looking to cut the calories. My house smells wonderful…“
“Oh, I added some sesame oil to my mix also and it put it over the top.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Wonton Soup
4.8 ⭐️ (1756 ratings) | 30 mins
This wonton soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl, especially useful for cold winter nights.
It has an incredibly flavorful broth, enhanced by the addition of mushrooms, ginger, shallots, and garlic. These add-ons bring a delectable umami flavor that makes this humble soup a superb accompaniment to lettuce wraps.
And if you want to jazz up this soup further, you can top it off with a teaspoon of chili crisp for a spicy twist.
What readers are saying…
“So good! I added sriracha sauce, frozen shrimp and a little fresh lime.“
“I tell you what, delicious!! It was soo flavorful and just delicious!“
“So delicious! Will definitely make this again! I was looking for soup with bok choy in it and your recipe came up. So quick and easy to make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Shrimp Tempura
4.9 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 30 mins
Shrimp tempura is an excellent way to add more protein to your lettuce wraps. The juicy shrimp are coated with a batter that crisps up lightly when fried, giving you a crunchy, tender bite.
And the good news? It’s easier to make than you think. The key lies in ensuring the batter you use is cold, which prevents it from absorbing too much oil and making the crust soggy.
What readers are saying…
“I used this recipe on Cod and Shrimp and think it is a very good recipe. I give it a double thumbs up.”
“Loved this recipe and loved being able to make one of my favorites at home. Big win!“
“This was such a hit! My husband is such a fan of shrimp, so I wanted to make this recipe and it did not disappoint!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Potstickers
4.6 ⭐️ (39 ratings) | 30 mins
Make your lettuce wrap a heartier meal with a serving of these potstickers. They’re filled with a flavorful mixture of pork and aromatics, making them oh-so-flavorful.
Don’t forget to make a soy-vinegar dipping sauce to make these shrimp and pork potstickers even tastier.
Psst… if you’re putting together vegan lettuce wraps, these mushroom potstickers are equally delicious.
What readers are saying…
“Your instructions helped tremendously and the potstickers are so delicious!“
“Great recipe! Super tasty. The only thing I changed, is using chicken broth instead of water. When it steams and evaporates, it leaves a super sticky flavorful crust on these.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Mushroom Gyoza
🇰🇷 Mandu
Egg Drop Soup
4.7 ⭐️ (171 ratings) | 15 mins
Egg drop soup is another Chinese takeaway favorite that pairs well with lettuce wraps.
And don’t think about actually ordering it. This soup is one of the easiest dishes to make from scratch.
The recipe requires less than 10 ingredients and 15 minutes to whip up a batch of warm, flavorful broth with silky egg ribbons floating all throughout.
What readers are saying…
“This is my go-to egg drop soup recipe…. So simple yet so good! I have made so many of your recipes, tried and true…”
“So good. I can’t believe this is the first time I have made it! I did only use a teaspoon of ginger since I am not a big fan. But I will definitely make again and again!“
“Delicious! I love the extra spices but I’m also someone who over spices things, I love flavor! Thanks for the amazing recipe! I did add some turmeric though for color.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Salads and Veggies
You can never have too many veggies! Serve your lettuce wraps with a side salad for a light and nourishing meal. Or try stir-fried veggies if you’re craving something warm.
Eggplant Stir-fry
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 20 mins
This eggplant stir fry is a superb side dish, especially for vegan lettuce wraps.
If you’re not sure about eggplant, this dish might be the one to change your mind. The key lies in the lip-smacking hoisin sauce that coats the eggplant slices.
Recipe creator Christie adds red chilies to this dish for a fiery kick, but you can always leave them out if you’re not a fan of spicy food.
What readers are saying…
“I love the heat you’ve added to this dish. It really does give the other flavors such a fun kick in the pants!”
“Making it for the second time tonight! Converted me to eggplant lover!!”
“This was delicious and easy to make! I didn’t have any chiles but it was still super flavorful!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Korean Bean Sprout Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 8 mins
Add a delicious, healthy crunch to your lettuce wraps with this bean sprout salad.
It’s flavored with garlic and sesame oil, a simple yet tasty flavor combination. This flavor pairing and the crisp-tender texture of your bean sprouts make this salad highly addictive.
This salad is so good that you’ll want to have it every week.
What the chef says…
“Unfortunately, all this squeezing reduces the volume of salad you get, which is why you may want to make a double or triple batch.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mango and Jicama Slaw
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 10 mins
Ditch your traditional coleslaw and make this mango jicama slaw to go with your lettuce wraps.
The game-changer in this dish is the tangy lime dressing that ties everything together. It’s refreshing and zesty, with a subtle sweetness from the honey.
Of course, this slaw also has a satisfying contrast between soft and crisp ingredients that’ll give you a pleasant mouthfeel. Absolutely delish!
What readers are saying…
“So fresh, crunchy & delicious! I love jicama in salads but never thought to make it into a slaw.”
“Delish! I would serve this often, just for a salad for lunch or a side as well as on tacos!“
“I love the simplicity of this slaw. Jicama is one of my favorite crispy veggies and I bet it complements the sweetness of the mango perfectly.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Black Bean and Corn Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 10 mins
This black bean and corn salad goes superbly with Mexican-style lettuce wraps.
It’s loaded with various contrasting elements tied together with a lip-puckering lime dressing. For best results, make this black bean and corn salad at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve it alongside or on top of your lettuce wraps for a vibrant splash of color.
What the chef says…
“This salad makes a TON too so it’s really great for your weekly meal prep! If you are making this salad ahead of time, I would suggest adding in the avocado right before serving so that it stays as fresh as possible.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vietnamese Noodle Salad
4.3 ⭐️ (339 ratings) | 20 mins
Need a heartier salad to pair with your lettuce wraps? Look no further than this classic Vietnamese noodle salad.
Aside from the chewy noodles, this salad is packed with crunchy carrots, bean sprouts, and cucumbers, making it oh-so-refreshing. And everything is tossed in a tangy, umami-loaded dressing that’ll have you coming back for more.
Psst… got leftovers? They make for a great packed lunch the next day.
What the chef says…
“I absolutely love this salad. You don’t expect the flavors and it surprises everyone that I have made it for!”
“I loved it. It was exactly the recipe we would pick up at a local Vietnamese Restaurant. It is strong but I love it!“
“Love this recipe, and I’ve made it several times. It’s so fresh and authentic tasting, and healthy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Lettuce Wraps – Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 3 whole bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Thoroughly wash and dry the peppers. Place them on their side on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place the peppers in the oven and roast for about 45-60 minutes. Turn the peppers when their skins start to blister. The bell peppers' skins must be charred and their flesh must be soft after roasting.
- While the peppers are roasting, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- After roasting, let the peppers rest for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, remove their stems and charred skins. Slice the peppers in strips, removing the seeds. Do not rinse the peppers under running water.
- Toss the sliced peppers in the marinade and allow to sit for a few hours. Serve immediately or store for up to a week.
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