Easy Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps Using The Slow Cooker

Easy Slow Cooker Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps are the perfect way to satisfy your takeout cravings in a healthier, homemade version! Packed with the bold flavors of soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili garlic sauce, they’re just the right amount of savory and spicy. Serve the filling in crunchy lettuce and enjoy leftovers with noodles and rice.

What’s To Love About This Recipe 

• When you’re craving takeout, but not the heavy portions, this is the perfectly satisfying recipe to make at home!
• In the slow cooker, the bold flavors meld together with minimal prep. You don’t even need to brown the ground pork. Let the slow cooker do the work!
• Pork lettuce wraps are light, fresh, and ideal for low-carb or keto-style meals. 
• The flavor is easy to customize for the whole family with your favorite toppings or spice level. Add more or less, and you’ll still enjoy the deep-umami flavor and tasty crunch of the water chestnuts.
• Ground pork lettuce wraps are a fun alternative for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners. 
• The versatile filling reheats easily to recreate fresh lettuce wraps, or you can serve the leftovers over rice bowls or noodle dishes.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground pork – Ground pork has a rich flavor and tender, crumbly texture that is light enough for crunchy wraps. You can also swap the meat for ground turkey or chicken for leaner options.
• Water chestnuts – This addition really enhances the filling texture with a satisfying crunch. Chop the water chestnuts finely to blend with the pork filling evenly.
• Soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili garlic sauce – This trio creates a savory-sweet-spicy base that works well in many Asian-inspired dishes. Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your desired heat level – it’s always better to increase it later if needed. (For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce, and check labels to find a gluten-free fish sauce.)
• Onion powder and garlic powder – Onion and garlic powders create depth and boost the flavor. The powdered versions are simple enough, but you can also swap for any fresh, jarred, or tube versions.
• Dried cilantro – This adds a nice hint of flavor and aromatic quality. Chopped fresh cilantro is also a great option, and you can add it to the slow cooker with the meat, or top off the filling at the end when serving. 
• Ground ginger – Ginger deepens the flavor and adds a slight sweetness. You can also use fresh grated or chopped ginger, or a refrigerated version in jars or tubes.
• Pepper – Pepper adds a subtle kick of spice to round out the flavors.
• Rice vinegar –  Rice vinegar adds acidity, which brightens the filling and cuts some of the richness from the pork. 
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar caramelizes slightly during cooking and adds a glaze-like consistency to the sauce.
• Iceberg lettuce – This is the cheapest and easiest variety to find, and the leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce also work well.

How To Make Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps Using The Slow Cooker 

1. Place ground pork in the slow cooker and use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble it up.

2. In a small bowl or a measuring cup, mix together the remaining ingredients.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink.
5. Give everything a stir to break it up and combine.

6. Serve the pork filling on lettuce leaves.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Protein alternatives: Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner options, or finely chopped tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Lettuce wrap options: Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or even cabbage leaves will work for the wraps, or you can chop them roughly to serve in a bowl with the filling. Another serving option is to use tortillas or rice paper wraps.
• Veggie add-ins: Add finely diced bell pepper, chopped water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, or chopped mushrooms.
• Flavor twists: Add sesame oil for extra richness and depth, or try the filling with teriyaki or gochujang-based (a type of red chili paste) sauces.
• Less spice: Reduce the chili garlic sauce or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

How To Serve Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps

To serve the best pork lettuce wraps, chill the lettuce leaves in the fridge for a short time before serving to keep them fresh and crisp! Spoon filling into the lettuce and lightly roll. 

Top the wraps with any extras you like! Some fresh favorites are matchstick shredded carrots, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha.

To bulk the meal or use up leftovers, prepare a batch of Slow Cooker Rice, quinoa, or lo mein noodles. Add a side of Sautéed Carrots with Honey for a sweet option to balance the spice!

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover pork filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately to prevent wilting.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat pork filling in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Serve the reheated filling in fresh lettuce wraps or use it in a rice or noodle bowl with extra toppings.

More Slow Cooker Asian Recipes 

• Slow Cooker Spicy Asian Chicken Bowls
• Slow Cooker Asian Pork Tacos
• Sweet and Spicy Asian Noodles
• Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
• Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe