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VIETNAMESE PORK LETTUCE WRAPS

Casual, flavorful and low in carbs, these wraps are a perfect low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes, and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize each one to suit their tastes.

—GRETCHEN BARNES FAIRFAX, VA



PREP: 25 MIN. + STANDING • COOK: 10 MIN. • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 medium carrots, julienned

1/2 medium onion, cut into thin slices

FILLING

1 pound ground pork

1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon fish sauce, optional

ASSEMBLY

8 Bibb lettuce leaves

1/2 English cucumber, finely chopped

1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped

3 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup each coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro and mint

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Hoisin sauce

Lime wedges

1. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar and salt until blended. Stir in carrots and onion; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

2. In a large skillet, cook pork, ginger and garlic over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until pork is no longer pink, breaking up pork into crumbles; drain. Stir in soy sauce, mirin, salt, pepper and, if desired, fish sauce.

3. To serve, drain carrot mixture. Place pork mixture in lettuce leaves; top with cucumber, red pepper, green onions, carrot mixture and herbs. Sprinkle with jalapeno and peanuts; drizzle with hoisin sauce. Squeeze lime juice over the tops. Fold the lettuce over the filling.