Yard House Lettuce Wraps are a popular appetizer offered by the restaurant chain Yard House.

The first time my husband and I ordered Lettuce Wraps from Yard House online, we were instantly hooked. The combination of flavors and textures was just perfect, and we couldn’t get enough of them.

So, the following week, I decided to surprise my husband by making them at home. It was my first attempt at recreating the Yard House Lettuce Wraps, but to my delight, they turned out delicious. Seeing the joy on my husband’s face as he enjoyed the homemade version made the effort all worth it.

And now, I’m excited to share the recipe of Yard House Lettuce Wraps with you, so you can enjoy them as much as we do!

How To Make Yard House Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional, for added spice)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 head iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves separated
• Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

Step1:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step2:

Add ground chicken or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step3:

In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce (if using). Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken or turkey in the skillet.

Step4:

Stir in chopped green onions, water chestnuts, and shredded carrots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.

Step5:

To serve, spoon the chicken or turkey mixture onto individual lettuce leaves. Top with optional toppings such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Serve:

Serve immediately and enjoy the Yard House Lettuce Wraps as a delicious appetizer or light meal!

Notes

Customize Fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings in these lettuce wraps to your liking. You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken or turkey mixture and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, hoisin sauce for sweetness, or sriracha for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions for Yard House Lettuce Wraps

Appetizer Spread: Serve these lettuce wraps as part of an appetizer spread at your next gathering. Arrange them on a platter with other small bites like spring rolls, dumplings, and skewers for a diverse and flavorful selection.

Light Lunch: Enjoy these lettuce wraps as a light and refreshing lunch option. Serve them alongside a bowl of soup or a side salad for a satisfying and balanced meal that won’t weigh you down.

Family Dinner: Make lettuce wraps the main course for a casual family dinner. Let everyone assemble their own wraps with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Picnic Fare: Pack these lettuce wraps for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach. They’re easy to transport and assemble on-site, making them the perfect portable meal for outdoor adventures.

Party Platter: Create a DIY lettuce wrap bar for your next party or gathering. Set out bowls of fillings, lettuce leaves, and toppings, allowing guests to customize their own wraps to their taste.

Meal Prep Option: Prepare a batch of these lettuce wraps ahead of time for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Store the filling and lettuce leaves separately in the refrigerator, then assemble wraps as needed for a healthy and hassle-free lunch or dinner.

Variations

Asian-Inspired: Swap the ground chicken or turkey for diced tofu or shrimp marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Add diced water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and shredded cabbage to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Mediterranean Twist: Use ground lamb or beef seasoned with Mediterranean spices like oregano, cumin, and paprika. Top the lettuce wraps with tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a fresh and tangy twist.

Tex-Mex Style: Replace the ground chicken or turkey with seasoned ground beef or black beans for a Tex-Mex flair. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and corn to the filling, and top the wraps with salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a Southwestern-inspired treat.

Korean Fusion: Marinate thinly sliced beef or pork in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil before stir-frying until cooked through. Serve the meat in lettuce wraps with kimchi, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce for a delicious Korean-inspired variation.

How To Store

First, to keep Yard House Lettuce Wraps fresh, take apart the lettuce leaves and filling if they’re already put together. Put the filling in a container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days after it’s cooled down. Put the lettuce leaves in another container lined with paper towels to soak up extra water. Cover the container to stop the leaves from going limp. When you’re ready to eat, warm up the filling and put it back in the lettuce leaves. This way, lettuce wraps stay tasty and crispy until you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion

Yard House Lettuce Wraps are a tasty and flexible dish that works well for snacks, light meals, or party appetizers. With their flavorful filling, crunchy lettuce, and optional toppings, they’re sure to please everyone. Whether you’re having a relaxed dinner at home or hosting friends, these wraps are a simple and satisfying choice. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

FAQ

Can I use a different protein in Yard House Lettuce Wraps?

• Absolutely! You can try using ground tofu, shrimp, or even a meat substitute to create a version that suits your taste or dietary preferences.

Are there alternative lettuce options to use?

• Yes, feel free to experiment with different lettuce types. While the recipe suggests iceberg or butter lettuce, you can also try using Romaine or Bibb lettuce for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I make the filling ahead of time for Yard House Lettuce Wraps?

• Certainly! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat it before assembling the wraps for a quick and convenient meal.

What are some creative toppings to add to Yard House Lettuce Wraps?

• Get creative with toppings! Chopped peanuts, cilantro, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime juice can add extra flavor and freshness to your lettuce wraps.

How do I prevent the lettuce leaves from wilting when storing leftovers?

• To prevent wilting, store the lettuce leaves separately from the filling. Keep them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, and cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid.

Can Yard House Lettuce Wraps be made vegetarian?

• Absolutely! Substitute the ground chicken or turkey with crumbled tofu or a meat substitute, and adjust the seasonings to create a delicious vegetarian version of the wraps.