Shiitake Mushroom Lettuce Wraps (Printable Version)

Crisp lettuce cups filled with savory sautéed shiitake mushrooms and vegetables in Asian-inspired hoisin glaze.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Mushrooms

01 - 7 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
02 - 1 small carrot, julienned
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2 green onions, sliced
05 - 1 small clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and washed

→ Sauce

08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
10 - 1 tsp sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
12 - 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
13 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside for later use.
02 - Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, then sauté ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
03 - Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their moisture.
04 - Incorporate julienned carrot and sliced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still retain some crunch.
05 - Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients and cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is glazed and heated through.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sliced green onions, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
07 - Spoon the warm mushroom mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.
08 - Arrange the lettuce wraps on a serving platter and serve immediately while the filling is still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot glazed mushrooms and cool crisp lettuce creates this incredible temperature dance that makes every bite exciting
  • Everything comes together in about 15 minutes but tastes like something that simmered for hours
  • You can customize the filling based on whats in your crisper drawer and it still turns out beautifully
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking the mushrooms or they will steam instead of brown, losing that caramelized flavor
  • The lettuce leaves should be completely dry before filling them or the sauce will slide right off
  • These are best assembled right before serving because the moisture from the mushrooms will eventually make the lettuce wilt
03 -
  • Heat your serving platter in the oven so the lettuce cups stay warm longer
  • Cut all your vegetables before you start cooking once the heat is on this recipe moves fast

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