Easy Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps

These easy ground pork lettuce wraps are the answer when I need a reliable dinner that keeps everyone excited but does not tie me to the stove. The slow cooker works its magic while I get on with my day and by the end I have a pile of savory filling that goes perfectly atop fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for a meal that tastes light but feels deeply satisfying. My family loves piling these up with extra sauce and no one misses the takeout.

What Makes It Special

• Ready with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have
• Satisfying and full of flavor without feeling heavy
• Slow cooker does all the work so you are free to walk away
• The lettuce keeps things refreshingly crisp and light

I first tried these when the week was too packed for any complicated cooking. Now we make it whenever we want something that feels special but is low effort. The aroma that fills the house while it cooks is reason enough to keep this recipe on regular rotation.

What You’ll Need

• Ground pork: for a juicy and rich base look for fresh pink meat with minimal excess fat
• Water chestnuts: add crunch and a touch of sweetness chop just before using for best texture
• Soy sauce: for salt and savor opt for naturally brewed for deeper flavor
• Onion powder and garlic powder: these bring aromatic depth and are easy to keep on hand
• Dried cilantro: gives a bright herby note you can use fresh if you have it but dried works well here
• Ground ginger: for mild heat and warmth ground is convenient though fresh ginger can be swapped in if you like extra zing
• Fresh cracked pepper: to balance the flavors
• Fish sauce: packs an umami punch try to find one with minimal added ingredients
• Rice vinegar: for tanginess and balance use unseasoned for a clean flavor
• Brown sugar: to touch up the savory edges with a little sweetness light brown is just right
• Chili garlic sauce: to add just the right amount of slow building heat adjust to taste
• Iceberg lettuce: crisp cups for serving look for tight heads with clearly defined leaves for easy wrapping

Let’s Cook This Together

Prepare the Pork:

Place the ground pork into your slow cooker and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as evenly as you can. This helps the flavors blend through every bite and prevents clumps later.

Mix the Marinade:

In a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup whisk together the soy sauce water chestnuts onion powder garlic powder dried cilantro ground ginger pepper fish sauce rice vinegar brown sugar and chili garlic sauce until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.

Season the Pork:

Pour your marinade evenly over the crumbled pork making sure as much meat as possible is coated. Use the spoon to gently mix if needed but try not to compact the meat.

Set and Cook:

Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set to high for three to four hours or to low for six to eight hours. Let it cook until the pork is completely done and no longer pink be sure to check every so often if you are new to your appliance.

Combine and Stir:

When the cooking time is up open the lid and give everything a thorough stir. The pork should now be extra tender and any extra liquid will help keep the filling juicy.

Serve in Lettuce Cups:

Separate your iceberg lettuce leaves and rinse them well. Spoon a generous amount of the pork filling onto each leaf using the crisp edges to hold plenty of that flavorful mixture. Serve immediately for best crunch.

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Good to Know

• Full of protein and lower in carbs compared to buns
• Stores well for next day lunches
• Make ahead and reheat for meal prep
• Freeze the pork filling for easy future dinners

My favorite part is always the crunchy water chestnuts. They add a secret bite that keeps every mouthful interesting. Sharing these at the table reminds me of game nights when we race to fill our wraps faster than the next person. Somehow there are never leftovers.

Keeping It Fresh

Store the cooked pork mixture and washed lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat just reheat the pork until steaming and build fresh wraps. This keeps the lettuce from getting wilted and soggy.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have ground pork you can use ground chicken or turkey with a touch of extra oil. Try fresh ginger in place of dried for a brighter kick or swap the iceberg for sturdy romaine leaves. If you like more crunch add thinly sliced carrots or bean sprouts to the filling.

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How to Serve It Right

Pile up the filling on your lettuce and serve family style so everyone can build their own. Top with extra chili garlic sauce or thinly sliced green onion if you want some extra zip. For a party platter arrange the lettuce cups pre filled and garnish with cilantro sprigs for a colorful spread.

Behind the Dish

Lettuce wraps are loved for their mix of savory filling and fresh greens. This recipe takes inspiration from Asian flavors but with a simple slow cooker twist that fits busy weeknights. I love how it delivers bold taste with almost no fuss and invites everyone to gather and eat with their hands.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another type of lettuce?

Yes, butter lettuce or romaine hearts work well for sturdy, fresh wraps if iceberg is unavailable.

→ How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

Using a slow cooker and mixing plenty of sauce with the pork helps retain juiciness and infuses flavor.

→ Can I substitute ground pork with another protein?

Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a similar texture and flavor absorption, if you prefer.

→ What sides go well with these lettuce wraps?

Try serving with steamed rice, sesame noodles, or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep the pork filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store lettuce separately.