Lettuce cups are a versatile, low-carb alternative to traditional wraps, offering a refreshing crunch and a healthy base for a variety of flavourful fillings and with an abundance growing in the kitchen garden, what better time to create a list of some favourite ways to let them shine. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, appetisers for entertaining, or a quick and easy dinner, lettuce cups are a fantastic option. While San Choy Bau – a Chinese dish of stir-fried pork or chicken – is a well-known and delicious choice, there are so many other exciting and creative ways to fill lettuce cups.
Here are some of the best ideas for fillings, inspired by global flavours, that you can experiment with in your own kitchen.
1. San Choy Bau (Chinese Pork or Chicken Lettuce Wraps)
Of course, we can’t talk about lettuce cups without mentioning San Choy Bau itself. This classic dish is made by stir-frying minced pork or chicken with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin, and a bit of sesame oil. Often served with water chestnuts for extra crunch, this filling is savoury, sweet, and delightfully textured.
How to serve: Spoon the warm filling into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves and top with spring onions, fresh coriander, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added crunch.
2. Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
For a spicy, aromatic filling, Thai-inspired chicken is an excellent option. Ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chilli, and lime creates a vibrant, tangy filling. You can also add fish sauce and a touch of brown sugar to balance the flavours.
Pro tip: Garnish with fresh mint, coriander, and chopped peanuts, and squeeze over some fresh lime juice for extra zing. Pair with butter lettuce for a soft, delicate bite.
3. Spicy Korean Beef Lettuce Cups
Korean-style beef, cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and gochujang (Korean chilli paste), makes for an incredibly flavourful and slightly spicy filling. You can use minced beef or thinly sliced steak for this filling. The combination of savoury, sweet, and spicy flavours brings out the best in a crunchy lettuce wrap.
How to serve: Top with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, and a few slivers of fresh chilli for heat. Bibb or romaine lettuce is a great choice for this filling.
4. Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Lettuce Cups
For a vegetarian option, Mediterranean flavours are always a hit. A simple mixture of mashed chickpeas, crumbled feta, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano creates a refreshing and healthy filling. This filling can be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Garnish suggestion: Add some chopped fresh parsley or mint for extra freshness, and serve in crunchy romaine lettuce leaves.
5. Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Cups
Teriyaki-glazed salmon flakes make for a light but satisfying lettuce cup filling. Simply bake or pan-sear salmon fillets, coat them in a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, and flake them into bite-sized pieces.
How to serve: Pair with lettuce leaves and top with thinly sliced radishes, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Butter lettuce works well with this filling due to its soft texture, which balances the rich flavours of the salmon.
6. Mexican-Inspired Turkey Lettuce Cups
For a Mexican twist, use ground turkey seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic, and chilli powder as a filling. You can stir in some black beans, sweetcorn, and a touch of lime juice for added texture and flavour.
Serving suggestion: Top with diced avocado, chopped coriander, and a drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of guacamole. Cos lettuce is a great choice for its sturdy leaves, which can hold the turkey filling nicely.
7. Greek Lamb Lettuce Cups
Slow-cooked lamb, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, makes for a mouth-watering filling. The rich, tender lamb pairs perfectly with the crispness of the lettuce. You can add some crumbled feta and olives for a true Greek-inspired flavour.
To serve: Top with a dollop of tzatziki and garnish with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use romaine or iceberg lettuce to hold this hearty filling.
8. Vietnamese Prawn Lettuce Cups
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh, clean flavours, and prawn lettuce cups are no exception. Cooked prawns tossed in lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, chilli, and a bit of sugar create a bright, tangy filling that works beautifully in lettuce cups.
How to serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like mint, coriander, and basil, and add a few crunchy bean sprouts or julienned carrots for texture. Butter lettuce or iceberg is a perfect choice here.
9. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Lettuce Cups (Vegan)
For a plant-based option, pulled jackfruit makes an excellent substitute for pulled pork. Cook jackfruit in a smoky BBQ sauce until tender and slightly caramelised. This vegan filling is not only hearty but also packed with flavour, making it a great alternative for those looking for a meat-free option.
Garnish suggestion: Add some red onion slices, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of vegan mayo or aioli. Cos lettuce provides enough structure to hold the filling without overpowering it.
10. Hoisin Tofu Lettuce Cups (Vegan)
Another great vegan option is tofu, marinated and stir-fried with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The tofu absorbs all the savoury flavours of the marinade, making it a satisfying and delicious filling.
Serving suggestion: Top with fresh spring onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture. Serve in crunchy iceberg lettuce for a refreshing bite.
Tips for Perfect Lettuce Cups:
- Choose the right lettuce: Iceberg and butter lettuce are the most common choices due to their crisp, round leaves, but romaine and cos lettuce are sturdier options for heavier fillings.
- Prep in advance: Most fillings can be made in advance, making lettuce cups a great option for meal prep. Simply store the filling in the fridge and assemble the lettuce cups when ready to eat.
- Double the crunch: Adding crunchy toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, or crispy onions can elevate the texture of your lettuce cups.
- Keep it light: The beauty of lettuce cups is their lightness, so be mindful of using sauces sparingly to avoid making the lettuce soggy.