If you’re craving a dish that bursts with crunch, freshness, and a zesty kick, you are going to adore this Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, crispy fish sticks wrapped in delicate butter lettuce leaves, loaded with vibrant shredded veggies, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that wakes up every single bite. This recipe truly turns simple ingredients into a sensational meal that feels both light and indulgent — perfect for any day when you want something fresh but deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe just right is all about balancing simple, fresh ingredients that complement one another beautifully. Each component adds a special touch to the dish’s texture, flavor, and color, making the wraps a feast for your eyes and palate.
- Gorton’s 100% Whole Fillet Fish Sticks (19 oz): The star protein, providing a crispy, flaky fish base that’s ready in minutes.
- Butter lettuce (2 heads): Its soft, broad leaves create the perfect edible “boat” for the wraps.
- Rice vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the veggie slaw.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances acidity in the rice vinegar and peanut sauce for just the right sweet note.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Brings a savory, umami depth to both the slaw and the peanut sauce.
- Fresh ginger (3 tbsp minced + 2 tbsp in sauce): Offers warmth and a zingy spice that livens up every bite.
- Sesame oil (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty aroma to the vegetable mixture.
- Purple cabbage (3 cups shredded): Provides vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- Green cabbage (3 cups shredded): Balances the purple cabbage with a milder flavor and crisp texture.
- Carrots (3 cups shredded): Add sweetness and bright orange color to the slaw.
- Green onions (1/2 cup chopped): Lend a fresh, sharp bite.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup chopped): Brings herbal brightness that ties everything together.
- Peanut butter (2/3 cup): The creamy backbone of the spicy peanut sauce.
- Coconut milk (1/2 cup): Offers a luscious, tropical creaminess that mellows out the spice.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Gives the sauce a fragrant, savory kick.
- Lime juice (1/4 cup, about 2 limes): Keeps the sauce lively with fresh citrus acidity.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce flavors with mild sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat for some zing.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the vibrant flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Sticks
Start by baking the Gorton’s 100% Whole Fillet Fish Sticks according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. This step is key because the warm, crunchy fish provides a fantastic contrast to the cool, fresh veggies and creamy sauce. Be sure to let the fish sticks cool just a bit once out of the oven so they don’t wilt the lettuce leaves later.
Step 2: Make the Tangy Slaw
While the fish sticks cook, whisk together rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and soy sauce to form a quick pickling dressing. Toss the shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots in this tangy mixture to soften their edges while still preserving plenty of crunch. Then add the chopped green onions, minced ginger, and fresh cilantro; the mixture should be bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Peanut Sauce
Combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt in a blender or whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic touch in this Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe, balancing sweetness, umami, spice, and creaminess that will make your wraps irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps
Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves and place a few pieces of the chopped veggies in the center of each leaf. Top with two or three crispy fish sticks, then drizzle generously with the spicy peanut sauce. Fold the lettuce gently around the filling and get ready to dive into a perfect hand-held bite that’s full of textures and layers of flavor.
How to Serve Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh and vibrant when choosing garnishes. Sprinkle chopped peanuts for extra crunch, fresh lime wedges to squeeze over, or a few additional cilantro leaves to amp up the herbal notes. Thinly sliced red chili can also add a fresh pop of color and a little more heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine on their own, but pairing them with sides like coconut rice, cucumber salad, or even light miso soup can turn your meal into an even more satisfying experience. Each side adds complementary textures and flavors, keeping the meal refreshing yet filling.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, arrange the wraps on a beautiful platter with the vibrant slaw and peanut sauce drizzled artfully over the top. Setting out individual dipping bowls with extra spicy peanut sauce encourages everyone to customize their own wraps. You can also serve the slaw and fish separately on the side for a build-your-own-wrap bar style party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the fish sticks separately from the slaw and peanut sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The lettuce leaves don’t hold up well when refrigerated for long, so it’s best to keep those fresh and assemble your wraps just before eating.
Freezing
Because this recipe relies on fresh veggies and crispy fish sticks, freezing assembled wraps is not recommended. However, the fish sticks themselves freeze beautifully and can be kept on hand to make this recipe quick and easy anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat the fish sticks in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness — microwaving tends to make them soggy. Once warm, assemble your wraps with fresh slaw and peanut sauce for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of fish sticks?
Absolutely! While fish sticks are convenient and crispy, white fish fillets like cod or tilapia, lightly seasoned and pan-fried, work wonderfully as well. Just ensure your fish has a similar flaky texture for the best wrap experience.
How spicy is the peanut sauce in this recipe?
The sauce has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, balanced by sweetness and creaminess. If you want more heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Can I substitute butter lettuce with other lettuces?
Butter lettuce is ideal for its pliability and mild flavor, but romaine, iceberg, or even large spinach leaves can be used. Just pick leaves that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings and easy to wrap.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, double-check that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free, as standard varieties often contain wheat. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The peanut sauce actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring to room temperature or give it a quick whisk before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fresh, fun, and totally satisfying — like a party in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something colorful and flavorful, it’s bound to become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how delicious and effortless fresh food can be!
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Fish Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Fish Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce offer a fresh, flavorful, and light meal perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining. Crispy Gorton’s whole fillet fish sticks pair wonderfully with vibrant shredded cabbages and carrots, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. The dish is brought together with a tangy rice vinegar dressing and a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with ginger, garlic, lime, and a touch of heat, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Fish and Lettuce
- 1 (19-oz) package Gorton’s 100% Whole Fillet Fish Sticks
- 2 heads butter lettuce
Vinegar Dressing
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
Vegetable Filling
- 3 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups shredded carrots (3–4 large carrots)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Peanut Sauce
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (from a can)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Fish Sticks: Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for Gorton’s fish sticks. Bake the fish sticks until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces suitable for wrapping.
- Prepare the Vinegar Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, minced fresh ginger, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Vegetable Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Pour the prepared vinegar dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated and slightly pickled.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Separate the butter lettuce leaves carefully to keep them intact. Spoon a generous amount of the dressed vegetable mixture onto each lettuce leaf, top with chopped crispy fish sticks, and drizzle a good amount of the peanut sauce over the top. Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling and serve immediately for a fresh and crunchy bite.
Notes
- Gorton’s fish sticks can be substituted with any breaded white fish sticks or strips.
- For added protein, feel free to mix in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the peanut sauce.
- Make sure to pat the lettuce leaves dry to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
