Spicy Gochujang Chicken Lettuce Wraps Delight

December 30, 2025October 18, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make spicy gochujang chicken lettuce wraps, gather these main items:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

– 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 4 green onions, chopped

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 12 large butter or romaine lettuce leaves

Optional Garnishes

For extra flavor and appeal, use these garnishes:

– Sesame seeds

– Extra chopped green onions

Common Substitutes

If you don’t have certain items, here are some swaps:

– Ground turkey can replace ground chicken.

– Sriracha can work in place of gochujang.

– Olive oil can substitute for sesame oil.

– Any crisp lettuce can replace butter or romaine leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking easier and faster. You need:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

– 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 4 green onions, chopped

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 12 large butter or romaine lettuce leaves

– Sesame seeds for garnish

Make sure your veggies are washed and chopped. This helps with cooking time.

Cooking Process

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil to the pan. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for one minute. This will make your kitchen smell great.

Next, add the ground chicken. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked.

Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (or maple syrup). Mix it well to coat the chicken. This sauce gives your dish its spicy kick.

Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You want the peppers to soften just a bit. Season the mix with salt and pepper. Just before removing from the heat, stir in the chopped green onions.

Assembly of Lettuce Wraps

Now comes the fun part: assembling your wraps! Take a large lettuce leaf. Spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken mix onto it.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish. If you like it spicier, add a drizzle of gochujang on top. Enjoy your colorful and tasty wraps as a light meal or a fun snack!

Tips & Tricks

Balancing Spice Levels

To enjoy these wraps, you need to balance the spice. Gochujang adds heat, but you can adjust it. If you want less spice, use less gochujang. Mix in a bit of honey for extra sweetness. You can also add more veggies like carrots to cool it down.

Making Ahead Tips

You can prep a lot of this dish in advance. Cook the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up. Assemble the wraps fresh for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps work great as appetizers or light meals. Serve them with extra gochujang on the side for spice lovers. You can also add some lime wedges for a zesty kick. For a fun twist, serve with rice or quinoa on the side. Enjoy the bright colors and flavors!

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Want to switch up your protein? You can use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. Both options bring their own unique flavors. Ground pork adds richness and pairs well with gochujang, too. If you prefer, diced tofu works great for a tasty, protein-packed bite.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

For a plant-based meal, use lentils or chickpeas. They soak up all the gochujang flavor. You can also try using mushrooms for a meaty texture. Keep the same spices and sauces to keep it bold and satisfying. Serve these in lettuce wraps for a fun, healthy meal.

Flavor Additions

Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. You can mix in some chopped cilantro for fresh herbs. Try adding a few peanuts or cashews for crunch. If you love heat, toss in sliced jalapeños. Each addition makes the dish even more exciting!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store leftover spicy gochujang chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tasty.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. The chicken will be good for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips

For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. You can also microwave it. Place the chicken in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your spicy gochujang chicken warm and flavorful!

FAQs

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a spicy Korean chili paste. It has a thick texture and a deep red color. This paste blends chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Its flavor is sweet, spicy, and umami-rich. I love using gochujang in marinades and sauces. It adds a unique kick to many dishes. You can find gochujang in most Asian grocery stores. It also works well in dips and soups.

Can I use other vegetables in the wraps?

Yes, you can use many vegetables in these wraps. Try adding sliced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and crunch. You can also mix in mushrooms for an earthy taste. Be creative with what you have at home. This recipe is flexible, and you can adjust it to suit your taste. The key is to keep the colors bright and flavors fresh.

How to make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative. Tamari is a great choice and tastes similar. Check the labels to ensure no gluten is present. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. This keeps the dish safe for those who avoid gluten. Enjoy your spicy gochujang chicken lettuce wraps without worry!

In this post, we explored how to make delicious lettuce wraps. We covered the main ingredients, optional garnishes, and tips on substitutes. I shared clear steps for preparation, cooking, and assembly. We discussed balancing spice levels, making wraps ahead, and serving ideas. You learned about protein options, vegetarian choices, and flavor additions. Finally, I provided storage tips and answers to common questions. Now, you can confidently create tasty lettuce wraps that suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with your new skill