Tuna Lettuce Wraps are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites, and it’s easy to see why! Made with canned tuna, green onions, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, all wrapped in crisp lettuce, it’s a fresh and flavorful option that’s also nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a simple dinner, these wraps are sure to be a hit with your family too!
A Family-Favorite
I can’t remember exactly when my mom first made this recipe, but I know it goes way back to before my college days. Since then, I’ve been making her recipe with my own twist, and it’s become a favorite among friends and family. Everyone who tries it loves it!
When my daughters were little, we had so much fun with this dish. We used romaine lettuce because its long, boat-like shape was perfect for holding steamed rice and the tuna filling. It even turned into a little family competition—who could make the biggest tuna lettuce wrap?
The funniest part was that my younger daughter, who was just 7 or 8 at the time, would always win. She’d happily eat three or four of those tuna wrap boats, which was a lot for someone so small! Watching her enjoy the meal so much made it extra special and turned this simple dish into a fun family tradition.
Tips for Perfect Tuna Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is super quick and easy, taking just 10-15 minutes once you get the hang of it—especially if you already have some steamed rice ready. It’s perfect for busy days and even works great as leftovers. You can also prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
For a heartier meal, try pairing it with Korean soybean paste soup. The soup goes perfectly with the Tuna Lettuce Wraps, creating a filling and satisfying combo. Adding radish kimchi to the wraps is another great idea—it gives a spicy, tangy kick. Plus, this recipe is very flexible, so you can customize it with your favorite extras to suit your taste.
When choosing canned tuna, I recommend the Korean Dongwon brand, which comes in both water and oil. Both options work well, but the water-packed version is a lighter choice for those watching their health. While canned tuna from American stores can work, it doesn’t quite match the texture and flavor of Dongwon. For the best results, check your local Korean market or order it online from Amazon.
Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steamed white or brown rice
- 1 can (5.29 oz) canned Tuna in water or oil
- 1-2 Tbsp Korean red pepper flakes
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 5-6 leaves of romaine or butter lettuce
- 2 additional cloves of garlic, thinly sliced for adding to the wrap (optional)
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
For the sauce:
- 1/2 Tbsp Korean Soybean paste
- 1/4 Tbsp Korean Red Pepper paste
Instructions:
Cook the Rice: Start by preparing steamed rice and let it cook while you get the other ingredients ready.
Prep the Lettuce: Wash the romaine lettuce leaves thoroughly, shake off the excess water, and set them aside.
Make the Tuna Mix: In a bowl, combine the canned tuna (with oil), chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well until the tuna is evenly coated and turns a vibrant red. Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
Prepare the Sauce: Mix the Korean Soybean paste and Korean Red Pepper paste together in a small bowl until smooth. Set it aside.
Optional Toppings: Slice fresh garlic and jalapeños if you’d like to add some extra flavor and crunch to your wraps.
Assemble the Wraps: Take a romaine lettuce leaf and layer it with a spoonful of steamed rice, about 1 tablespoon of the tuna mix, 1/2 teaspoon of the sauce, and your choice of garlic and jalapeño slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Fold the lettuce around the filling or enjoy it boat-style, just like my daughter loves. Your delicious Tuna Lettuce Wraps are ready to serve!
While writing this recipe, memories of my daughter enjoying her Tuna Lettuce Wrap boat flood back, and it brings a smile to my face as I recall the fun we had eating it. I hope you and your family can have as much fun as we did.
Cherished Memories
These Tuna Lettuce Wraps hold a special place in my heart, not just for their delicious taste but for the memories they bring back. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of those lively family dinners when my daughters were little. The kitchen was always filled with laughter and friendly competition over who could make the biggest wrap.
It’s amazing how food can connect us to moments that feel like they happened just yesterday. I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your table and creates cherished memories for you and your loved ones, just like it has for me.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss my spicy salad recipe, another healthy meal with a zesty kick perfect for hot summer days!
