Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Quinoa

Looking for a light, quick, and healthy vegetarian meal? Look no further! This recipe for Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with quinoa will really satisfy you, especially when you top them with a little bit of my sriracha sauce blend for an extra kick of spice! Try them the next time you have a craving for Asian flavors!

I have deep love for lettuce wraps of all kinds. They’re always easy to make and one of my favorite ways to reinvent leftovers. Would you believe I eat them on a weekly basis all year long?

Not to mention that lettuce wraps also make delicious quick and easy lunches too!

If you love lettuce wraps as I do, check out my protein-packed Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps and my Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps for a fun Mexican spin on an Asian favorite.

Today's vegetarian lettuce wraps originated from a leftover mash-up of quinoa, some Asian stir-fry, and a quick sauce blend of Hoisin and Sriracha. I loved it so much that I set out to make it a complete stand-alone recipe inspired by some of my favorite Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Key Ingredients For Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this lettuce wrap dish at home:

• Quinoa: Provides a nice, filling base for these lettuce wraps. When combined with veggies, spices, and sauces, these lettuce wraps make a very tasty stand-alone dish! The great thing about quinoa, as opposed to other grains, is that it contains more protein making it a more filling option.
• Vegetables: For this recipe, I used green onions, mushrooms, and red pepper. My favorite thing about lettuce wraps is that you can truly use whatever vegetables that you want. Make sure to cut up all of the vegetables to roughly the same (small) size so that they all cook evenly.
• Spices: Two essential spices for any Asian-inspired dish are garlic and ginger. I highly recommend using fresh garlic cloves and fresh ginger any time you can because the flavor is so much better.
• Water chestnuts: These are a staple for almost any Asian dish and I love the crunchy texture that they provide. Make sure to chop them up the same size you chop your veggies.
• Sauces: The sesame oil provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the blend of hoisin and soy sauce. If you want to add some heat, a splash of sriracha works well.
• Lettuce: I used butter lettuce in this recipe, but check the FAQs down below for more lettuce options.

Note: For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this vegetarian recipe, check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Recipe Tips and Ideas For Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Here are some ideas for variations you can make to this recipe so that it’s always fresh and interesting!

• If you prefer rice over quinoa, simply swap it out because rice tastes amazing too! Farro, barley, and couscous could also be swapped in.
• Play around with different toppings. I created a delicious sauce for these quinoa lettuce wraps, but you could make them using any Asian or stir-fry sauce including teriyaki, Thai curry, or an Asian-style barbecue sauce.
• Use any type of bell pepper that you like. They all taste amazing! For some spice, add a jalapeno or poblano pepper.
• If you want a change from lettuce wraps, you could use kale, collard greens, or even tortillas to change things up. Another delicious option is using seaweed. 
• Love beans? Add black soy beans, chickpeas, or edamame for a punch of protein and fiber.
• Have leftovers? Consider using leftover quinoa to make these delicious Thai Bowls.

What To Serve With This Quinoa Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re a vegetarian, trying making a batch of my famous vegetarian meatballs and add some to this recipe. You can easily make them ahead of time in the slow cooker. The flavors are ideal for this vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe.

You could also add a side or two with this dish to make it a more filling meal. Try enjoying these vegetarian lettuce wraps with Sesame Soy Edamame or Sesame Tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Lettuce Wraps

Here are some questions I frequently get asked about by some readers…

What kind of lettuce works best for lettuce wraps?

We prefer using butter lettuce for lettuce wraps because the leaves are a terrific size and shape and offer that crispy crunch we love.

Ultimately, you could use any type of lettuce that you want as long as the leaves are large enough to hold the ingredients. Try using romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even red or green leaf lettuce.

Is this quinoa lettuce wraps recipe keto-friendly?

You won’t want to include quinoa if you’re trying to eat a keto-friendly or low-carb diet since it contains a high number of carbs. An easy swap you can make for this recipe is to substitute cauliflower rice for the quinoa.

How can I add protein if I want to keep this dish vegetarian?

You could add your favorite type of beans such as black so beans or you could add some crispy seasoned tofu to this recipe for some vegetarian protein!

More Delicious Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Love:

• Spicy Hoisin Tofu and Broccoli
• Mongolian Tofu
• Asian Noodle Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing
• Asian Quinoa Stir Fry
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Barbecue Stuffed Peppers