Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

There’s something about transforming simple ingredients like lentils and spices into flavorful mini burgers that sparks pure culinary joy for me. This is my go-to when I crave something light yet satisfying—perfect for those “I need a hug in meal form” days.

I thoroughly enjoy crafting delectable yet wholesome recipes. Take my Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps, for instance.

When it comes to flavor, the protein-packed lentils in these wraps don’t hold back—the umami notes from the soy and hoisin sauces nearly redefine what a lentil can do. (Now, I realize this next statement may be breaking the umami scale, but honestly, if the phrase haven’t six things going for it, I don’t know what does.)

Ingredients

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Lentils: High in protein and fiber, these legumes provide a satisfying, nutrient-dense base for the burger patties.

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Olive oil: Rich in healthy fats, it adds a mild, fruity flavor to the cooked onions and garlic.

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Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor and numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system.

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Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami depth that enhances the savory profile of the burgers.

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Hoisin sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that infuses the patties with a rich, Asian-inspired flavor.

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Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup dry lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bibb lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves
• Grated carrots, for garnish
• Sliced cucumber, for garnish
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sriracha or chili sauce, optional

How to Make this

1. Wash the lentils thoroughly and then sort them. Place the lentils in a saucepan with 2 cups of water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the lentils to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and no longer crunchy. If there is any excess water, drain it.

2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Put in the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Put in the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. In a big mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the lentils that have been cooked, the mixture of onions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix well.

4. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs until they are evenly distributed.

5. Beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix until the ingredients are combined and form a completely cohesive mixture.

6. Create a mixture and mold it into small, patty-like shapes; each should be approximately the size of a golf ball. The pattys should be flattened slightly.

7. Add a little more olive oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side.

8. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Separate the leaves.

9. To put together, set each lentil burger on a leaf of lettuce and top with grated carrots, sliced cucumber, and green onions.

10. If desired, add heat by drizzling sriracha or chili sauce on it. Wrap the filling in lettuce and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Skillet
3. Mixing bowl
4. Sieve or colander (for washing lentils)
5. Spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater (for ginger and carrots)
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Whisk or fork (for beating the egg)
11. Plate or tray (for forming patties)

FAQ

• Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?Certainly, it is acceptable to use canned lentils. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before you continue with the recipe. Begin with cooking the onion and garlic, as instructed.
• What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?If panko cannot be found, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as substitutes.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?To veganize it, substitute the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and allowed to sit for 10 minutes) or for a commercial egg replacer.
• How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?Ensure the mixture is well combined and compact when forming the patties. Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before cooking may also help the patties hold together better.
• Is it okay to use another type of lettuce?Certainly, you can replace different varieties of lettuce, like Romaine or butter lettuce, as long as they have the structural integrity to contain the fillings.
• How can I make these spicier?To the lentil mixture, add more sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes, or drizzle extra sriracha on top when serving.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep completely prepared patties in the fridge for no more than 3 days. Heat them in a skillet or in the microwave before you serve them.

Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One tablespoon of coconut oil can be used in place of 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
One tablespoon of soy sauce can be substituted with one tablespoon of tamari to make a gluten-free option.
1 cup of panko can be replaced with an equal amount of crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free substitute.
A flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) can substitute for 1 large egg.
1 teaspoon of sesame oil can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for a different texture. This is a simple substitution with no loss of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the lentils, consider cooking them in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water. This can add depth and richness to the taste profile of the patties.

2. For a little extra crunch and flavor, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them into the lentil mixture. This step can improve the texture of the patties.

3. If time allows, let the lentil mixture rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping the patties. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle when shaping.

4. When cooking the patties, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly and develop a nice crust.

5. For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro as a finishing touch before wrapping the lentil patties in lettuce. This will elevate the overall flavor of the dish.