Vegan Korean Lettuce Wraps
Normally as the temperatures get a little warmer, I start craving lighter meals. This year, however, winter is hanging on real tight and the temperatures have been staying firmly in the 30s during the day and the teens at night. Nevertheless, I’m mentally so ready for Spring, warm sunshine, a new season of produce, and one of my favorite lighter meals: lettuce wraps!
Korean Lettuce Wraps are usually made with beef (sometimes chicken), but I’m swapping in garlicky shiitake mushrooms for an even more awesome and 100% plant-based version. And instead of white rice, I’m using chewy, short-grain brown rice. The sauce is what really makes this meal though. My take on ssam sauce (short for ssamjang) uses a simple but flavorful mixture of minced shallot, rice wine vinegar, avocado oil, good-quality gochujang chili pepper paste, and mellow white miso. Gochujang seems extra popular these days, but if you can’t find it or would prefer to use what’s already in your pantry, sriracha will work in its place. Also, be sure to check the label on gochujang before you buy it—some contain wheat and junky ingredients like corn syrup (even the brands at Whole Foods, which is why I usually buy mine online).
These vegan Korean Lettuce Wraps make a delicious lighter dinner, and they’re great for lunches too because you can prep the components in advance. I usually make a big batch of brown rice and ssam sauce the day before (having extra brown rice and sauce makes other meal prep that much easier), cook the mushrooms, and then slice the scallions for topping. From there, it’s all about easy assembly!
Vegan Korean Lettuce Wraps
Vegan Korean Lettuce Wraps
Serves: about 10 wraps
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
These vegan Korean lettuce wraps have chewy brown rice, garlicky shiitake mushrooms, and a simple ssam sauce. Prep the components in advance for extra easy lunches and dinners!
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan Servings: about 10 wraps
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
These vegan Korean lettuce wraps have chewy brown rice, garlicky shiitake mushrooms, and a simple ssam sauce. Prep the components in advance for extra easy lunches and dinners!
Instructions
- Make the Ssam Sauce: Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil followed by the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then add the mushrooms. Stir to combine and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
- Assemble the wraps: Layer the lettuce leaves with a scoop of seasoned brown rice, shiitake mushrooms, and ssam sauce (be mindful not to over-fill your wraps). Top with chopped cilantro, sliced scallion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sriracha, if you like. Serve immediately.
Notes [1]
Be sure to check the ingredients on gochujang. Some brands include corn syrup and wheat. I like this gluten-free version called Wholly Gochujang.
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