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Spicy Korean BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
Original recipe: 4 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 10 min · Total: 25 min
By PowerProteinPlates Editorial TeamPublished Mar 29, 2026 | Updated Jul 22, 2026
Korean
25 mins
high-proteingluten-freeeasy-recipesquick-mealssnack-ideaswhole-foodsmeal-prep-friendly
Spicy Korean BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps with measured ingredients, 25-minute timing, 4-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for protein-focused meals, snacks, smoothies, and meal preparation.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Korean
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional
- sliced jalapeño for additional heat
Instructions
-
Heat sesame oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
-
Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add the drained chickpeas and lightly mash some with the back of a spoon to create texture; cook for 2-3 minutes.
-
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
-
Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpea mixture is heated through and well coated.
-
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
-
To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the spicy chickpea mixture onto each butter lettuce leaf.
-
Top with julienned carrot, cucumber slices, and optional jalapeño for extra spice.
-
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty garnish.
-
Serve immediately, or store the chickpea mixture separately in an airtight container for easy meal prep; assemble wraps fresh when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I meal prep Spicy Korean BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps?
- Yes. Portion it into airtight containers and keep toppings, sauces, or crunchy finishes separate when that will protect the texture.
- How can I increase the protein?
- Add a little more chickpea or pair the recipe with a compatible high-protein side such as Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, or lean meat depending on the recipe style.
- Can I make it lighter?
- Use measured oil, lighter dairy or sauce options, and a larger vegetable portion while keeping the main protein amount steady.
- What should I watch when swapping ingredients?
- Keep moisture, salt, and cooking time in mind because high-protein swaps can dry out or firm up faster than the original ingredient.
Storage
Cool Spicy Korean BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps before storing, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keep crisp toppings or fresh garnishes separate when useful, freeze only if the main ingredients tolerate thawing well, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid or a short oven, skillet, microwave, or air-fryer warm-up that matches the recipe texture.
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