Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce are a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish inspired by the beloved Asian street food classic — San Choy Bow. They combine savory ground pork, crispy vegetables, and a sweet-salty hoisin sauce all nestled inside cool, crisp lettuce cups.

Every bite is a perfect contrast of textures and flavors: the juicy, umami-packed pork filling mingles with the fresh crunch of lettuce, while ginger, garlic, and soy add irresistible depth. The dish is light yet satisfying — perfect for anyone who wants something flavorful, nutritious, and fun to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s fresh, flavorful, and fast. The pork cooks quickly, the sauce is addictive, and the crisp lettuce cups make eating feel like an experience — you pick them up, fold them, and bite into a burst of flavor.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can tweak the sauce, swap the meat, or pile on different toppings depending on your mood.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy yet satisfying: Low-carb, protein-packed, and fresh.
• Flavor explosion: The hoisin-ginger sauce elevates simple ingredients into something gourmet.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves customizing their own wraps.
• Meal prep friendly: Great for weekday lunches or make-ahead dinners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Information

• Servings: 4 (about 3 wraps per person)
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Pork Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced (optional for crunch)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

For the Hoisin Sauce Mixture:

• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

For Serving:

• 1 head butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (separated into whole leaves)
• Chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions for garnish
• Lime wedges for squeezing (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Cook the pork: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add veggies: Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender.
5. Add sauce: Pour the prepared hoisin sauce mixture into the pan. Toss well until the pork and vegetables are coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Finish: Stir in green onions and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy or sriracha if desired).
7. Serve: Spoon the warm pork mixture into lettuce leaves, sprinkle with peanuts and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Wash and separate lettuce leaves, dice vegetables, and mince garlic and ginger.
2. Mix Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Brown Pork: Heat oil in skillet, add pork, and cook until no longer pink.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic, onion, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
5. Add Veggies: Stir in bell pepper, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.
6. Add Sauce: Pour sauce into mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
7. Finish with Vinegar & Scallions: Stir well and remove from heat.
8. Assemble Wraps: Spoon pork mixture into lettuce cups and garnish.

How to Serve

Serve the pork mixture warm in a large bowl with lettuce leaves on the side so everyone can assemble their own wraps.

Top with:

• Chopped peanuts or cashews
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped cilantro or mint
• Extra hoisin or sriracha drizzle

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, Asian cucumber salad, or cold noodles for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Choose butter lettuce or iceberg for sturdy, crisp cups.
• Chill lettuce before serving for extra crunch.
• Don’t overcook the pork — keep it juicy and tender.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.
• For low-sodium options, use low-salt soy sauce and unsalted peanuts.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Replace ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
2. Vegan Version: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of pork, and substitute hoisin with a vegan variety.
3. Spicy Thai-Inspired Wraps: Add chili paste, lime juice, and Thai basil for a Southeast Asian twist.
4. Korean Fusion: Mix in gochujang paste instead of sriracha and top with kimchi.
5. Noodle Bowl Version: Serve the pork mixture over rice noodles instead of lettuce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pork filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The cooked pork filling freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Assemble wraps fresh each time (don’t freeze lettuce).

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pork mixture 1–2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Q2. What’s the best lettuce to use?
Butter lettuce (like Bibb or Boston) works best because it’s flexible yet strong. Iceberg is crisp and refreshing but a bit harder to fold.

Q3. Can I use store-bought hoisin sauce?
Absolutely. It’s a convenient and tasty option — just adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste.

Q4. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Q5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — use tofu, mushrooms, or lentils as the protein base.

Conclusion

Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce are everything a great meal should be — fresh, flavorful, fast, and fun. They’re loaded with savory pork, colorful veggies, and a perfectly balanced hoisin glaze, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves that make every bite refreshing.

This dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean boring food. It’s light yet satisfying, customizable to your taste, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining guests, or meal prepping lunches, these lettuce wraps will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.