Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wrap Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at the renowned Cheesecake Factory, you’ll know that their menu boasts an incredible array of delicious dishes from various culinary traditions. Among their standout appetizers, the Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps shine as a flavour-packed sensation that tantalizes taste buds with a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy notes. And here’s the exciting news: you can recreate this mouthwatering delight right in your kitchen!

There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating restaurant recipes at home, infusing them with a personal touch that makes them truly yours. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, join me on this culinary adventure as we unravel the secrets behind Cheesecake Factory’s legendary Thai Lettuce Wraps recipe.

Table of Contents

What is Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wrap?

Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps are a delicious meal that you can eat at the Cheesecake Factory. They are made of chicken, shrimp, and vegetables in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s served on a bed of lettuce and comes with rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping your food in.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced water chestnuts
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head of iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed

For the dipping sauce:

how to make cheesecake factory thai chicken lettuce wraps

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and cooked through.
Add the red onion, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk all ingredients together. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
While the filling is cooking, in a small bowl, prepare the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Stir well to combine.
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into each lettuce leaf, creating a small bundle. Drizzle the dipping sauce over the wraps or serve it on the side for dipping.
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve the Cheesecake Factory Thai lettuce wrap immediately while they are still warm and enjoy!

Tips

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Feel free to add more vegetables to the filling, such as shredded carrots or bean sprouts, to add extra crunch and flavour.
Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or excess moisture before using them as wraps.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness.
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, prepare the filling and dipping sauce separately, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce leaves.
Experiment with different herbs and toppings like crushed peanuts or sesame seeds to add extra texture and taste to your wraps.

What do you eat with Thai lettuce wraps?

Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps are versatile dishes enjoyed as a light appetizer or a main course. To enhance the dining experience and create a well-rounded meal, here are some delicious accompaniments to serve alongside the wraps:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Thai cuisine is often enjoyed with fragrant jasmine rice. Serve a bowl of steamed jasmine rice alongside the lettuce wraps, allowing your guests to enjoy the wraps as a filling and flavorful topping for the rice.
Fresh Herb Salad: Create a vibrant side salad using a mix of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil. Toss the herbs with thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing and crunchy addition.
Thai Mango Salad: Add a burst of tropical sweetness to the table by serving a Thai mango salad. Dice ripe mangoes, chop red onion and cilantro, then mix together. Combine lime juice, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar for the dressing. Enjoy! This tangy and fruity salad pairs perfectly with the savoury flavours of the lettuce wraps.
Crispy Wonton Strips: Prepare some crispy wonton strips to sprinkle over the lettuce wraps for an extra crunch. Simply slice wonton wrappers into thin strips and deep-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle a pinch of salt before serving.
Peanut Sauce: Besides the dipping sauce provided with the lettuce wraps, offer a side of peanut sauce for those who enjoy a nutty and creamy element. You can make a simple peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and a dash of chili sauce for a touch of heat.
Iced Thai Tea or Lemongrass Infusion: To complete the meal, offer refreshing beverages that are popular in Thai cuisine. A tall glass of iced Thai tea with its creamy and sweet flavours or a soothing lemongrass infusion will provide a cooling balance to the spiciness of the wraps.

FAQ

How many calories are in Thai lettuce wraps at Cheesecake Factory?

The Cheesecake Factory Thai lettuce wrap has 850 calories.

Is butterhead lettuce good for lettuce wraps?

Butterhead lettuce is one of the best types of lettuce for making lettuce wraps. It has a soft texture, which makes it ideal for wrapping around other ingredients. The leaves are also large, so you can use fewer leaves to make a big wrap for your mouth.
In addition to its soft texture and large size, butterhead lettuce has a mild taste that complements other ingredients without overpowering them. You can use butterhead lettuce with other lettuces, such as iceberg or romaine to create an exciting mix of flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed making this Cheesecake Factory Thai lettuce wrap recipe, which is pretty simple (and not too spicy), and it turned out great! It’s a recipe I will certainly add to my list of things to cook more often when I crave something a little different.

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