Spicy Sesame Lentil Lettuce Wraps with Quick-Pickled Radishes

These vibrant lettuce wraps combine protein-rich lentils with crunchy veggies and a bold sesame-tahini sauce. Inspired by Asian fusion flavors, they're meal-prep friendly and infinitely customizable. The quick-pickled radishes add a bright crunch that balances the spicy umami filling.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 3 servings (8 wraps)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp gochujang paste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 6-8 butter lettuce leaves
• 1/2 cup quick-pickled radishes (thinly sliced radishes soaked in 1:1 rice vinegar and water with pinch of sugar)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp tahini-lemon drizzle (mix 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp water, pinch of salt)

Instructions

1. Make quick-pickled radishes: Combine sliced radishes with equal parts rice vinegar and water, plus pinch of sugar. Set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute.
3. Add cooked lentils, soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir to coat and cook 3-5 minutes until flavors meld.
4. Prepare tahini-lemon drizzle by whisking all ingredients until smooth.
5. Wash and dry butter lettuce leaves, keeping them whole for cups.
6. Assemble wraps: Fill each lettuce cup with 2-3 tbsp lentil mixture.
7. Top with pickled radishes, shredded carrots, and green onions.
8. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
10. Optional add-ons: avocado slices, crispy baked wonton strips, or sriracha for extra heat.

Chef's Note

For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble just before eating to prevent sogginess. The lentil mixture tastes even better the next day!

Make-Ahead Tips

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Substitutions

Use cabbage leaves instead of lettuce, peanut butter instead of tahini, or sriracha instead of gochujang.