When you think of lettuce wraps, you likely think of take-out food – tasty morsels stuffed inside a light and airy wrap that’s designed to make your taste buds dance with excitement.
But have you ever thought about what can be served alongside those delicious, crunchy packages?
Don’t worry if the answer is no; we are here to help!
With this blog post, we will go over 14 side dishes that pair extraordinarily well with lettuce wraps without detracting from their unique flavor combinations.
Whether they need sweet or savory accompaniments, there is something for everyone in our list of must-try sides perfect for next time you make lettuce wraps.
Now let’s get started!
What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps? 14 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken
This dish is a fantastic option for those who are looking for something a little bit different to serve with their lettuce wraps.
The chicken is cooked in a very flavorful and spicy peanut sauce, giving it an amazing taste that will definitely stand out.
The texture of the chicken is also very tender and juicy, making it a great option for those who want something that is easy to eat.
There are a few tips that you can follow in order to make this dish even more amazing.
Firstly, make sure that you cook the chicken in the sauce for as long as possible so that it can really soak up all of the flavors.
Secondly, if you want an even spicier dish, then add some extra chili flakes or powder to the sauce.
Finally, serve the chicken with some fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges on top so that people can really enjoy all of the amazing flavors.
2. Korean BBQ Beef
Korean BBQ beef is a delicious and easy dish to make at home.
The beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or cooked in a skillet until it is caramelized and slightly charred.
The beef is often served with rice and vegetables, making it a complete meal.
The taste of Korean BBQ beef is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.
The texture of the beef is tender and juicy.
The tips on elevating this dish are to cook the beef until it is caramelized and slightly charred.
You can also add more spice by using a hotter pepper paste or adding more red pepper flakes to the marinade.
3. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a classic dish that can be found in Chinese restaurants all over the world.
The dish is usually made with pork that has been cooked until it is tender, then coated in a sweet and sour sauce.
The sauce is usually made with vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings.
The taste of sweet and sour pork is, as you would expect, a balance of sweet and sour.
The pork itself is usually very tender, making it a great option for those who don’t enjoy chewy meats.
The dish can be made even more delicious by adding some fresh pineapple or bell peppers to the mix.
If you’re looking to elevate your sweet and sour pork dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using quality ingredients for the sauce.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of vinegar.
And third, cook the pork until it is crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
4. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a delicious and popular dish that can be found on the menus of Chinese restaurants all over the world.
The dish is typically made with deep-fried chicken that is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
The chicken is often served over steamed rice, which helps to offset the spice of the sauce.
One of the best things about General Tso’s chicken is the contrast of flavors and textures that you get in each bite.
The crispy fried chicken is complemented by the sweet and sticky sauce, while the steamed rice provides a nice contrast in texture.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using quality ingredients.
If you can find fresh, local ingredients, that’s always ideal.
But even if you’re using frozen or store-bought ingredients, try to get the best quality that you can afford.
This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce.
You can add different spices or even fruits to create a unique flavor profile for your General Tso’s chicken.
Third, consider serving your General Tso’s chicken over something other than steamed rice.
Fried rice would be a great option, or you could even serve it over noodles.
5. Orange Chicken
One of the best things about orange chicken is that it is so versatile.
You can make it as sweet or as savory as you like, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
The key to making great orange chicken is to get the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The taste of orange chicken should be a balance of sweet and savory, with a slight hint of citrus from the orange juice.
The texture of the chicken should be moist and tender, with a slightly crisp exterior from the breading.
There are a few tips to help you elevate your orange chicken dish.
First, consider using fresh oranges instead of orange juice for a more intense flavor.
Second, add some heat by including red pepper flakes or ground ginger in the sauce.
Finally, experiment with different types of breading for the chicken, such as panko breadcrumbs or cornflakes.
6. Sesame Chicken
Chicken is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for a good reason – it’s delicious, versatile, and relatively affordable.
One of our favorite ways to prepare chicken is by coating it in a savory sesame sauce and then baking it until it’s nice and crispy.
The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for serving over rice or alongside some steamed vegetables.
When it comes to taste, sesame chicken is definitely on the sweeter side.
The combination of sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil creates a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the chicken and gives it a lovely caramelized exterior.
The chicken itself is tender and juicy, making it a great choice for those who don’t love dry, overcooked chicken breasts.
As for texture, the key to getting crispy chicken without frying it is to coat it in cornstarch before adding the sauce.
This helps create a barrier between the chicken and the sauce so that the latter doesn’t make the former soggy.
If you’re looking for an even crispier result, you can try double-dredging the chicken in cornstarch (first coat it lightly, then dip it again after adding the sauce).
Just be sure to shake off any excess cornstarch before baking so that it doesn’t burn in the oven.
- Add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Swap out the rice for quinoa or noodles.
- Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish that’s become popular all over the world.
The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or broiled until it’s slightly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Teriyaki chicken is usually served with rice and vegetables, making it a complete meal.
The taste of teriyaki chicken is sweet and savory, with a slightly smoky flavor from the grill or broiler.
The chicken is tender and juicy, with a slightly chewy texture.
Teriyaki chicken is typically served with rice and vegetables, making it a complete meal.
There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.
One way is to use quality ingredients for the marinade, such as fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions.
Another way is to marinate the chicken overnight so that the flavors can really penetrate the meat.
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And finally, if you’re grilling or broiling the chicken, make sure to char it on the outside for extra flavor.
8. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey walnut shrimp is a popular Chinese dish that can be found at most Chinese restaurants.
The dish is made up of fried shrimp that is tossed in a honey-glazed sauce and then topped with chopped walnuts.
The dish is sweet, savory, and slightly nutty from the walnuts.
The shrimp are usually fried until they are crispy, which adds another layer of texture to the dish.
If you want to elevate this dish, you can try using larger shrimp or serving it over a bed of rice.
If you are looking for a sweet and savory dish, honey walnut shrimp is a great option.
The dish is easy to find at most Chinese restaurants and can be served as an appetizer or main course.
9. Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung Pao Shrimp is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The shrimp are coated in a light batter and then fried until crispy.
They are then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce made with Kung Pao sauce, rice wine vinegar, and honey.
The dish is typically served with steamed rice and vegetables.
The shrimp is the star of the show in this dish, and they should be cooked to perfection.
The batter should be light and crispy, and the shrimp should be juicy and tender.
The sauce is what ties everything together and gives the dish its signature flavor.
It should be slightly sweet, slightly sour, and slightly spicy.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when making this dish.
First, make sure that the shrimp are properly coated in batter before frying.
Second, be careful not to overcook the shrimp – they should be cooked just until they are pink and opaque.
Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Kung Pao sauce to your liking.
If you like it extra spicy, add a little bit more sauce.
If you prefer it on the sweeter side, add a little bit more honey.
10. Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a delicious, slightly sweet, and savory dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
The beef is cooked until it is tender and then stir-fried with a simple sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
One of the best things about this dish is that it only takes a few minutes to cook, so it’s perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
The beef is also very versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, try serving it with steamed broccoli or other vegetables.
You can also add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
11. Broccoli and Beef
When it comes to beef and broccoli, there are a few things that make this dish so great.
For one, the taste is out of this world.
The beef is cooked to perfection, and the broccoli is nice and crunchy.
But what really makes this dish stand out is the texture.
The beef and broccoli both have a great texture that compliments each other perfectly.
The beef is tender and juicy, while the broccoli is crisp and crunchy.
This contrast in textures is what makes this dish so special.
There are a few tips that can help you elevate this dish even further.
First, be sure to use fresh broccoli for the best results.
Frozen broccoli will work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same crunch as fresh broccoli.
Second, don’t overcook the beef.
You want it to be cooked through but still nice and juicy.
If you overcook it, the beef will be tough and dry.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and seasonings.
A simple soy sauce or teriyaki sauce can really take this dish to the next level.
12. String Bean Chicken Breast
Looking for a healthy and delicious chicken dish to make for dinner tonight? Look no further than this string bean chicken breast recipe.
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients and is sure to please the whole family.
The chicken breasts are cooked until they are juicy and tender, and the string beans add a lovely crunch to the dish.
You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots or broccoli.
For an extra bit of flavor, try sprinkling some shredded cheese on top of the chicken breasts before serving.
This dish is best served hot, straight out of the oven.
13. Pepper Steak
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than pepper steak.
This classic dish is made with tender steak that is cooked in a savory sauce made with peppers, onions, and garlic.
The result is a dish that is packed with flavor and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
One of the best things about pepper steak is that it is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste.
If you like your steak on the rare side, simply cook it for less time.
If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, cook it for longer.
The same goes for the sauce – if you like it spicy, add more peppers; if you prefer it on the sweeter side, add more onions.
14. Egg Foo Young
Egg foo young is a dish that is often found on Chinese restaurant menus.
It consists of eggs that are beaten and then fried, along with vegetables and sometimes meat.
The result is a savory omelet-like dish that can be served over rice.
Egg foo young has a savory taste and a soft, fluffy texture.
The eggs are the key to achieving the perfect texture – they should be beaten until they are light and airy before being added to the pan.
The vegetables and meat can be chopped into small pieces so that they cook evenly.
If you want to elevate this dish, try adding some fresh herbs or spices to the egg mixture.
This will give the dish an extra flavor boost.
You could also experiment with different types of vegetables or meat in the filling.
Conclusion
So there you have it. 14 delicious side dishes that will complement your lettuce wrap perfectly.
From rice and noodles to vegetables and salads, there’s something here for everyone.
So get cooking and enjoy.
What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps? 14 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken
- 2. Korean BBQ Beef
- 3. Sweet and Sour Pork
- 4. General Tso’s Chicken
- 5. Orange Chicken
- 6. Sesame Chicken
- 7. Teriyaki Chicken
- 8. Honey Walnut Shrimp
- 9. Kung Pao Shrimp
- 10. Mongolian Beef
- 11. Broccoli and Beef
- 12. String Bean Chicken Breast
- 13. Pepper Steak
- 14. Egg Foo Young
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!