Asian Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps – Easy Chicken Recipe
Asian teriyaki lettuce wraps.
These Asian Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal made with savory teriyaki chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, and a simple homemade sauce. They are light enough for lunch but satisfying enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
The juicy chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, then spooned into crisp lettuce leaves and finished with fresh toppings. The result is a delicious combination of savory, sweet, crunchy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps
Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights.
Full of flavor – savory teriyaki sauce with fresh ginger and garlic.
Fresh and crunchy – crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast.
Customizable – add your favorite vegetables and toppings.
Family-friendly – let everyone build their own wraps.
Great for lunch or dinner – easy to serve and customize.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Dishes, Lunch
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken
500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 tablespoon neutral oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lettuce Wraps
1 large head of butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce
1 carrot, julienned or grated
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 spring onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Fresh coriander, optional
Optional Toppings
Sliced red chili
Crushed peanuts
Cashews
Sriracha
Extra teriyaki sauce
Lime wedges
Ingredient Notes
Chicken
Chicken thighs stay particularly juicy and flavorful, but chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option.
Lettuce
Choose sturdy lettuce leaves that can hold the filling without tearing. Butter lettuce is soft and flexible, while iceberg provides extra crunch.
Soy Sauce
Regular soy sauce works well. For a gluten-free version, use tamari and verify that the other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.
Honey
Honey gives the sauce a glossy sweetness. For a fully vegan version, replace the honey with brown sugar or maple syrup and use a plant-based protein instead of chicken.
Ginger and Garlic
Fresh ginger and garlic make a noticeable difference to the flavor of the teriyaki sauce, so fresh is preferable when available.
Equipment
Large frying pan or skillet
Small mixing bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Grater
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
How to Make Asian Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and cut it into small bite-sized pieces.
Smaller pieces cook quickly and make the chicken easier to spoon into the lettuce leaves.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
Set both mixtures aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully.
Prepare the carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, spring onions, and any other toppings.
Keep the vegetables chilled until ready to assemble.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
5. Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
Stir well and allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes.
7. Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch mixture again and pour it into the pan.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes glossy and lightly thickened.
Remove from the heat.
8. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Place a lettuce leaf on a plate.
Add a spoonful of the warm teriyaki chicken.
Top with carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, and spring onions.
9. Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh coriander.
Add sliced chili, crushed peanuts, or a little sriracha if you like extra flavor or heat.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Lettuce Wraps
Dry the lettuce well. Excess water can make the wraps soggy and difficult to hold.
Cut the chicken into small pieces. This makes every bite easier to eat and allows the sauce to coat more of the chicken.
Don't burn the garlic. Add it after the chicken has started cooking and stir constantly.
Adjust the sweetness. Add a little more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter teriyaki flavor.
Keep the vegetables crisp. Add them just before serving rather than cooking them with the chicken.
Serve the chicken warm. The contrast between warm teriyaki chicken and cool crisp lettuce makes these wraps especially delicious.
Easy Variations
Teriyaki Beef Lettuce Wraps
Replace the chicken with finely sliced beef or ground beef.
Teriyaki Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version. Pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding the teriyaki sauce.
Spicy Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps
Add sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh sliced chili to the sauce.
Teriyaki Mushroom Wraps
Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden and use them as the main filling.
Teriyaki Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Replace the chicken with peeled shrimp and reduce the cooking time.
Add Rice
For a more substantial meal, add a small spoonful of cooked jasmine rice to each lettuce wrap.
How to Store
Store the cooked teriyaki chicken separately from the lettuce and fresh vegetables.
Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Assemble the wraps just before serving.
How to Reheat
Reheat the teriyaki chicken in a frying pan over medium heat until hot.
You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Keep the lettuce and fresh vegetables cold and add them after reheating.
Can You Make These Ahead?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time.
Store the chicken and vegetables separately. When you're ready to eat, warm the chicken, wash and dry the lettuce, and assemble the wraps.
This makes the recipe especially convenient for weekday lunches.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps
For a complete meal, serve them with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Vegetable fried rice
Edamame
Asian cucumber salad
Miso soup
Steamed broccoli
Fresh fruit
Lime wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
What lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
Butter lettuce is soft and flexible, while iceberg lettuce is crisp and sturdy. Romaine hearts are another good option.
Can I use ground chicken?
Yes. Ground chicken works particularly well because it cooks quickly and is easy to spoon into the lettuce leaves.
Can I make these lettuce wraps gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check all other packaged ingredients for gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or another plant-based protein.
How do I stop lettuce wraps from becoming soggy?
Dry the lettuce thoroughly and keep the chicken filling separate until you're ready to eat.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead?
Yes. The sauce can be mixed ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to cook the chicken.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Useful tools for this recipe include:
Non-stick skillet
Sharp chef's knife
Cutting board
Fine grater
Measuring spoons
Small mixing bowls
Food-storage containers
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Final Thoughts
These Asian Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps are an easy way to enjoy bold Asian-inspired flavors in a fresh and crunchy meal. The sweet and savory chicken pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and colorful vegetables.
For an easy weeknight dinner, prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and let everyone assemble their own wraps at the table. Add chili and sriracha for heat, or keep them mild for a family-friendly meal.