Shiitake Mushroom Lettuce Wraps (Printable)

Crisp lettuce cups filled with savory glazed shiitake mushrooms and colorful vegetables in an Asian-inspired sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables & Mushrooms

01 - 7 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
02 - 1 small carrot, julienned
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2 green onions, sliced
05 - 1 small clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and washed

→ Sauce

08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
09 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
10 - 1 tsp sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
12 - 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
13 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside for later use.
02 - Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté minced ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
03 - Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their moisture.
04 - Incorporate julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still retain some crunch.
05 - Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until everything is glazed and heated through.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
07 - Spoon the mushroom and vegetable mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Top with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.
08 - Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a serving platter and serve right away while the filling is still warm and the lettuce remains crisp.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm savory mushrooms and cool crisp lettuce is pure magic
  • You can customize the filling based on whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer
  • They are perfect for those nights when you want something healthy but refuse to compromise on flavor
02 -
  • Do not skip removing the mushroom stems because they can be tough and woody, distracting from the tender texture you want
  • Butter lettuce works best here but romaine makes a sturdy alternative if that is what you have available
  • The filling can be made ahead and reheated, but the lettuce leaves should be prepared just before serving
03 -
  • Water chestnuts are a game changing addition if you want extra crunch and a more authentic restaurant style texture
  • A splash of rice wine vinegar or lime juice right at the end can brighten the whole dish if it feels too heavy

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