Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender ground pork infused with fragrant lemongrass and garlic, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and flavorful appetizer or light meal. This Vietnamese-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs ground pork, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 finely minced white parts of lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 minced small shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the pork is well coated and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: To serve, spoon the pork mixture into 12 washed butter lettuce leaves. Garnish each wrap with a few fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red chili if desired for heat. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Pork Lettuce Wraps gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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