This is one of those super-quick dinner ideas. The filling for these lettuce wraps is heavily inspired by a bar in my town that Trey and I frequent sometimes for dinner. They make these really tasty vegetarian sliders (they call them Cubicles) that we both love. I’ve been trying to make my own homemade version. And after a few attempts, I think I finally found a version we both love.
The filling for these is extra-protein-packed with lentils and tempeh, so you can easily serve these wrapped in lettuce for an ultra-filling meal. You could also serve these in tortillas with salsa and sour cream. Or you could serve these on mini hamburger buns alongside baked french fries. Whatever you choose, be sure to try this; it’s just too good to pass up.
Lentil & Tempeh Lettuce Wraps, serves three to four (maybe two if you’re super hungry).
15 oz cooked lentils (I used canned lentils)
8 oz tempeh, chopped into small pieces
3-4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 egg
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt + pepper to taste
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (see note)
6-8 large lettuce leaves
Carefully remove the lettuce leaves from the base (if you bought a whole head of lettuce). Thoroughly rinse and pat dry each leaf. Or you can use a salad spinner if you have one (I don’t). Just make sure your lettuce is clean.
Combine the lentils (drained), tempeh, minced garlic, cilantro, and green onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Cook the egg, scrambling it. This makes the filling kind of like stir fry. To the skillet add the lentil mix. Sprinkle in the cumin plus a little salt and pepper. Cook until everything is warmed through. Toss the cheese over the hot mixture, just so it will melt a little. Then fill the lettuce leaves with the filling.Serve with a little chili sauce or sriracha and extra cilantro. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Note: If you want to enjoy this as part of the Weekday Weekend challenge remember to omit the dairy (cheese) in the above recipe. Add some compliant hot sauce or vegan cheese if you like but these are super flavorful even without.
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Ingredients
- 15 oz cooked lentils (I used canned lentils)
- 8 oz tempeh (chopped into small pieces)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 6-8 large lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Carefully remove the lettuce leaves from the base (if you bought a whole head of lettuce). Thoroughly rinse and pat dry each leaf. Or you can use a salad spinner if you have one (I don't). Just make sure your lettuce is clean.
- Combine the lentils (drained), tempeh, minced garlic, cilantro, and green onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Cook the egg, scrambling it. This makes the filling kind of like stir fry. To the skillet add the lentil mix. Sprinkle in the cumin plus a little salt and pepper. Cook until everything is warmed through. Toss the cheese over the hot mixture, just so it will melt a little. Then fill the lettuce leaves with the filling.
- Serve with a little chili sauce or sriracha and extra cilantro.
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with Cleo of the Signature Collection.
I’m vegan, so left out egg and cheese, but added a can of chopped water chestnuts and some mung bean sprouts. YUM! I served with a green papaya salad with green beans, red pepper and chopped peanuts.
I made this today without the egg and added cheddar Daiya. It was delicious and held together well with the Daiya.
We made this last night and it was so great and easy. We served it with some lime and avocado on top, which really brought the whole dish together. This will definitely enter our regular meal rotation. Thanks for the idea.
Thank you for the vegan recipe! I’ve been eating vegan for almost a month now and it is the best switch I have ever made! Keep it up with the vegan options!
I love lentils! I love your blog1 I can’t wait to have these print outs on my wall!!!
I honestly surprised when i saw you cook lentil & tempe, i’m from Indonesia and i’m proud that our traditional food went into your kitchen 😀
I love challengues. It helps me to grow as an artist.
These look delicious! My boyfriend and I are trying to find some ways to start eating healthier and this looks like a yummy recipe to try out for dinner one night!
xoxo
Taylor
www.welcomehometaylor.com
this looks great!! those lettuce leaves are perfect!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
p.s. emma i know you were looking for an iphone case in this pattern – has anyone pointed you to it?
http://www.shopbando.com/product/bando-iphone-55s-case?display=2143
I must try these, they look like they taste amazing!
remnantsofreflection.blogspot.com.au
Such a clever way to use lentils and tempeh together. I’ll have to try these!
Is that tempe?
Here in Indonesia we called it Tempe and it’s the Indonesian fave food ever. I like reading your blog, btw. *greetings from Indonesia*
Have you tried to eat fried tempeh +lalapan+sambal terasi+rice? Its really delicious and healthy! ^^
Have you tried to eat fried tempeh+lalapan+sambal terasi+rice? Its really delicious and healthy! ^^
These look and sound amazing!
Made this tonight and even my meat-loving boyfriend loved them!! So good. Thanks for the recipe! We’ll definitely be making these again.
Oo I just did tandoori veg lettuce cups- was delish! Have to try these yum
www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
i love lettuce wraps, i’ve been doing cabbage versions with quinoa – so yummy !
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography – www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk
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Omg. I was already hungry but now that I see this I’m starving.
Tyler
onelittleblackdress.com