Oooh boy, friends, do I have a treat for you tonight!
Growing up, one of my all time favorite foods, were the lettuce wraps from PF Changs — you know what I’m talking about — the amazingly delectable, salty, crunchy, nutty, Asian-style appetizer with all the build-you-own goodies that allow you to a) make an absolute mess, and b) become the chef extraordinaire of your dreams. You cannot go to PF Changs and not order them.
Well, I decided that I wanted to recreate those for lunch, but this time — spice it up, Mexican style!
AND, I wanted to utilize my favorite protein packed, super food: quinoa! Not only does it only take about 12 minutes to cook, but it ALSO has all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein!?
Plus, these are gluten free, vegan and paleo!
Here’s What You Need: (Serves 3-4)
3/4 cups quinoa, cooked in 1 1/2 cups veg stock
1 red pepper, finely diced
6 shiitake mushrooms, finely diced
1 bunch of asparagus, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
5 green onions, sliced thin
5 garlic cloves, minced
cilantro, chopped
juice and zest of 1 lime
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
Romaine lettuce leaves – washed, dried, and chilled
Avocado Mash:
1 ripe avocado, mashed with salt, and 1 garlic clove, grated
Tools:
Sauce pan with tight fitting lid
Good chef’s knife
Directions:
Cook your quinoa according to the package directions using veg stock instead of water.
Wash, dry, and separate your romaine lettuce leaves and put them in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of dinner.
Also, mash an avocado with salt and a grated garlic clove, cover and set in the refrigerator to chill.
Sauté your onion in 1 Tbsp EVOO with salt, pepper, and spices. Allow them to soften for about 5 minutes, and then add in your mushrooms. Let them cook down for about 3 minutes.
Then add your asparagus. Let it cook for a few minutes.
Then add 3/4 of your red peppers. Allow that to cook for about 3 minutes, and then stir in your garlic. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, and then stir in about 1/4-1/2 cup of vegetable stock, to moisten and deglaze the pan.
Finally, stir in your cooked quinoa, lime zest and juice, cilantro, and the rest of your red peppers. Stir to combine and add salt to taste.
Serve in lettuce wraps, garnished with green onions, the avocado mash, and cilantro. YUM!
Holy cow, folks. This one was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I’m telling you — you haven’t lived until you’ve tried this combination.
I mean, watch out, PF Changs! There’s a new superstar in town, and it’s got a Mexican flare!
Aside from being incredibly fun to assemble and eat, the FLAVORS were outrageous! The warmth from the spice mixture, paired with the nutty quinoa and buttery avocado was outrageous. Especially with that kiss of freshness from the cilantro and lime..yowza!
And then the textures were amazing, with the quinoa that *pops* in your mouth, and the crunchy peppers, and luxuriously rich and creamy avocado, all wrapped up in a cool and crisp romaine leaf…I mean…come on, people!
And lastly, it was just gorgeous! Pretty as a picture!
I promise, these will not disappoint! Pair it with a fresh squeezed margarita and have yourself a little fiesta!
What’s YOUR favorite appetizer when you go out to eat?
Until next time! 🙂
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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64 responses to “Mexican Quinoa Lettuce Wraps”
that looks yummy, although I did have to look up what EVOO was! (you can tell how much cooking I do!)
I only know what EVOO is because of Rachel Ray. My mom used to watch her cooking show all the time, until she made one of her dishes one day and it was so yucky that nobody could eat it.
That’s how I know it too! From Rachel Ray! Yummo!! Haha Hugs and love xox
that’s a ringing endorsement for Rachel Ray! 🙂
We learned that eggplant and pasta do not mix, even though Rachel Ray convinced us otherwise. Since that day I never saw another eggplant in my mom’s house 😆
🙂
Thanks! Haha yeah it’s a Rachel Ray-ism! Sorry about that! Hugs and love xox
even though I’ve never watched a cooking show, I’ve heard of Rachel Ray!
She’s a star!! 🙂
Lettuce wraps are so yummy. The first time I ever had them was at a restaurant called Original Joes. My husband couldn’t eat them because he’s allergic to peanuts so I don’t order lettuce wraps anymore. I think when I get back home I will make these for him! My in-laws criticize me for not cooking enough so this will prove them wrong.
Thanks Hilary! I agree – they’re so flavorful! Haha yeah prove them wrong! You’ve got this! Haha Hugs and love xox
I’m starting to get really tired of eating chicken, rice, and noodles. These seem to be the staples in the house. One can only eat so much chicken, rice and noodles.
I feel you there. Yeah! It’s fun to get creative in the kitchen! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
♥️🥬♥️🥦♥️🥕♥️🌽♥️🌶♥️
hahaha love that so much!! 🙂
That looks and sounds so delicious! Nice food photos, too! Sometimes making the food is easier than photographing it.
Thanks Robin! It really was delicious. And haha you’re right about that! Hugs and love xox
Lettuce wraps from PF Changs – are a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Thank you, I will follow steps written in this article and ..let this dinner be amazing!
AMAZINGGGGG! thanks! Hope you enjoy it! Hugs and love xox
Thank you! 🙂
xoxo 🙂
Oh this looks TOO Good! I really shouldn’t read your posts when I’m hungry 🙂 🙂
[…] https://beautybeyondbones.com/2019/07/31/mexican-quinoa-lettuce-wraps/ […]
Thanks so much TOnya for the link up! hugs xo
Sounds yummy! I’m going to have to try them sometime.
Thanks so much! these were a real treat 🙂 I hope you do! hugs xox
This looks fantastic. As a vegan I use quinoa a lot, and lately I’ve been eating it chilled with a splash of vinegarette and diced veggies. Cukes, onions, olives and tomatoes with a big spoonful of spicy lentils. It’s just such a versatile food. Love it. Thanks for the new idea. I’m on it.
Thanks so much Jim!! Ooh that does sound spectacular! Quinoa is a superfood for many reasons! Hugs and love xox
“It’s a queeno!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TobvW77tuwQ
(I’ve never had your recipe or the one in the commercial; I just always think of this whenever someone mentions quinoa.)
Haha amazing. Thanks for sharing! Hugs and love xox
Looks like another winner! Delicious and spicy! XOXO
Thanks so much! Quinoa is such a humble superstar! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Wow, those look amazing. I love lettuce wraps. This is definitely something I can make. Thank you so much for sharing, yummy! One of my favorite appetizers is cheese curds and buffalo chicken dip 😍😍
Thanks Lane! I do too! They’re so refreshing, and really let the filling be the star of the show! Oooh cheese curds! The squeaky cheese! I love those too! Hugs and love xox
Yess, Quinoa Lettuce Wraps are so delicious🤗
Thanks! I so agree! They are so fun to eat as well as yummy! Hugs and love xox
Exactly my thoughts 💜🤗
🙌🏼🙌🏼💛🙌🏼🙌🏼
I read this after I ate. It is my new strategy for your food posts. haha
Hahahahaha oh my gosh you’re too funny! Good strategy my friend 🙂 Hugs and love xox
that hits all the mexican notes, sounds totally yum, I did not attempt mex until I read some Rick Bayless books, he traveled around mexico for years, and surprisingly (or not) there is plenty of healthy options as protein is scarce so veg is king, this totally reminded me of that
Thanks David! You’re so right – so much fresh produce in Mexican cuisine! America could take a lesson! Hugs and love xox
Mnhnm this looks very yummy… Thank you for your beautiful advises and good uploads on our diet, Ncah!
Thanks so much friend!! I appreciate you checking it out! Hugs and love xox
Yes please!! I always need new recipe ideas, this ones right up my alley!!❤️
Thanks love! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! Definitely worth it! Hope you’re having a great week! Hugs and love xox
I enjoy Mexican food and I enjoy wraps! Good combo!
Thanks so much Debra! I agree — a yummy combo for sure! big hugs to you xox
I don’t go out to eat much, and I usually don’t order appetizers. I am glad you enjoyed your lunch. It looks amazing.
Thanks Amanda! I feel you there — bring on the main attraction! haha big hugs xo
Will do. xo
🥰
That stuff looks pretty good, but my doctor said I need to eat more Glutens. We have a small garden, but it’s hard to find seeds.
Thanks friend! Good luck with that! Doctors know best! 🙂 so glad you stopped by! big hgus xox
Bring it on! 🙂
haha yes!!! they were yummy! have a great weekend! hugs xo
I am sharing your dishes with my son for his Farm to Table Restaurant in N.C. I am not sure of what he will do with them but I will keep trying. I have suggested a BBB Menu Listing. Love your presentation and plating. Love you.
Oh that is so awesome!! I am seriously so honored! thank you! hugs xox
Looks delish like Rachel Ray would say!
Thank you so much! I love Rachel Ray!! hugs xox
Thanks for the recipe! Keep ‘m coming, BBB! MMMM! Yum.
thanks so much!! so glad you’re enjoying them! big hugs xo
these look so good
Oh thanks so much! Hugs and love xox