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Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps – an Asian flavored twist on a veggie burger. Oil-free and gluten-free options available. These burgers are crisp and firm on the outside, soft and moist on the inside and hold up really well.
There’s a new favorite burger in our house and it’s this Asian Lentil Burger. I was staring in the fridge at leftover lentils and leftover brown rice and, voila, this burger was born. But, I was out of buns the day I served them, so they became Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps. And you can’t serve lettuce wraps without a dipping sauce, so then I created this amazing Creamy Sesame Soy Asian Dressing that I posted for you the other day. And instead of using it as a dipping sauce, I just drizzled it all over the top of these lentils burgers. Ok, maybe I did also dip it into the sauce because it’s just that good! If you love Asian flavors and want to switch up the usual stirfry/noodle routine, this one is for you!
Bring the Flavor
Have you ever noticed that the only way most meat burgers are varied is by changing up the toppings? Now it’s a cheeseburger, now it’s a bacon burger, now it’s a mushroom burger….but the burger is always the same. Why is that? Putting the flavor IN the burger is where it’s at! That’s why veggie burgers rule. This baby is chock full of lentils, rice, mushrooms, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha and more! Wrap it all up in lettuce topped with some shredded veggies and dressing and now you are eating your salad, too….all in one bite. That’s smart eating and being efficient!
Texture is Key
And I would bet that you could fool the omnivores with the way this burger looks. It’s crisp and firm on the outside, soft and moist on the inside and holds up well. You could put this on a bun if you wanted to. I experimented with baking and pan frying these lentil burgers, and while I did prefer the later, they are delicious either way. They are more firm if you bake them, but more moist if you pan fry…just depends if you want them to be oil-free (baked) or not. I also give a gluten-free option in the recipe notes, so be sure to check that out if you wish.
I topped mine with raw coleslaw veggies and fresh cilantro before drizzling on the Asian Dressing. The kids went crazy for these too and my son even took one in his lunch the following day.
Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps
I hope guys love these Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps as much as we do. If you try them, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!
A Asian flavored twist on a veggie burger. Oil-free and gluten-free options available. These burgers are crisp and firm on the outside, soft and moist on the inside and hold up really well.
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 lb sliced mushrooms
- 3 green onions (rough chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp sriracha
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten (or gluten free breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (gluten free if needed)
- 6-8 large lettuce leaves (Bibb or Green Leaf works well)
- Raw shredded veggies (I used a coleslaw mix) (optional)
- Fresh Cilantro
- Creamy Sesame Soy Asian Dressing
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. (Skip this step if you plan to pan fry)
- In a small pan on the stove, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until soft, about 7-8 minutes.
- To the bowl of a food processor, add the mushrooms along with the lentils, brown rice, green onions, garlic, aquafaba, soy sauce, and sriracha and pulse until well combined, but not pureed.
- Pour the mixture out into a medium bowl and add the vital wheat gluten (or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs). Massage the mixture with your clean hands for several minutes until the gluten starts to work (it will start to get "stringy". If you are using breadcrumbs instead of vital wheat gluten, just stir to combine.
Add the breadcrumbs (or other 1/2 cup if you already used them in the previous step) and stir to combine. The mixture should form easily into patties. If it's too wet, add another 1-2 tbsp of breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add another splash of soy sauce or even water.
- Form the mixture into 6-8 patties. You can cook them right away or place the patties in the fridge in a single layer for 30 minutes to firm up even more.
- Bake the patties in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them over half way through. Alternately, you can pan fry in a tbsp of oil for about 5 minutes each side on medium heat.
- Lay your lettuce leaves flat, top each one with a burger, raw shredded veggies, if using, fresh cilantro, if using, and a drizzle of the Asian Dressing. Wrap them up and enjoy!
~Nutrition facts calculated for burgers alone, not including any toppings.
More Creative Veggie Burgers to Love:
Spinach Artichoke White Bean Burgers
Trinity Bourne says
12/09/2015 at 2:35 pmThis sounds like totally fab feel-good food. I love that you’ve wrapped it in lettuce… 10/10 for that 🙂
Jenn S. says
12/10/2015 at 11:09 amA perfect 10…wow! Thanks, Trinity! 🙂
Dianne says
12/09/2015 at 12:41 pmI love the idea of combining a veggie burger with asian-style lettuce wraps! So creative!
Jenn S. says
12/09/2015 at 2:13 pmThanks, Dianne! They lettuce wrap definitely complements the burger perfectly!
Cadry's Kitchen says
12/09/2015 at 9:50 amThat’s such a great point about putting the flavor IN the burger instead of around it. And I like that you used lentils for the burger. They have so much deep deliciousness built into them.
Jenn S. says
12/09/2015 at 2:06 pmIf I was stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing…it would be lentils. I can’t get enough of them! Thanks, Cadry!
The vegan 8 says
12/09/2015 at 9:15 amThese look so amazing! The texture and flavors all look perfect! I totally agree with what you said too, I don’t want a plain burger patty, I want the flavor IN the burger too! Then toppings and more flavor! I hate plain tasting food. I need to try these, I just love everything about them!
Jenn S. says
12/09/2015 at 9:23 amThanks, Brandi! I’ve got plans to try your Red Beans & Rice Burger too…it sounds so delicious! Flavor IN the burgers are where it’s at!
Becky says
12/09/2015 at 8:20 amOoh I love this! The lettuce instead of a bun is genius.
Jenn S. says
12/09/2015 at 8:27 amThanks, Becky!! I honestly don’t think these would be quite as good on a bun. It really takes all the different components to make the delicious flavors all stand out!
Richa Gupta says
10/05/2015 at 1:00 amHow cute are these lettuce wraps and how have I never thought of this!! Brilliant!
Jenn S. says
10/05/2015 at 9:34 amThanks, Richa! The lettuce wrap idea kind of happened on a whim, but it worked out so well!!
Willow says
10/02/2015 at 1:58 pmIsn’t it fun when you can make something out of leftovers! You may have been out of buns, but I love to substitute collard greens for wraps and lettuce leaves for sandwiches. These flavors sound wonderful! I love to use sriracha in my cooking. Your dressing sounds yummy as well!
Jenn S. says
10/17/2015 at 10:24 pmI LOVE collard wraps! Thanks so much, Willow! Sriarcha makes everything better, right?!
markr356 says
09/30/2015 at 5:45 amLove the Asian touch and wrapped in the lettuce keeps it light and healthy.
Jenn S. says
09/30/2015 at 7:41 amThanks, Mark! Yup, go ahead and have two!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
09/28/2015 at 11:40 amAs much as I love a good beef burger, veggie burgers are always a great option when you want something lighter. These sound wonderful, especially that sauce!!
Jenn S. says
09/28/2015 at 12:32 pmThanks so much, Kathryn! I’ve used the sauce on many other things since…it’s so good!
Paige @ Where Latin Meets Lagniappe says
09/28/2015 at 10:38 amThese look so tasty! A perfectly delicious lunch idea!
Jenn S. says
09/28/2015 at 11:18 amThanks, Paige! Let me know if you try them!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
09/26/2015 at 10:08 amThis sounds so delicious, Jenn! I love lentil burgers. And what a great idea to use lettuce wraps. 🙂
Jenn S. says
09/26/2015 at 12:24 pmThank you so much, Sina! The lettuce wrap went perfectly with the flavors of the burger!
Levan Wee says
09/25/2015 at 6:24 amLOVE LOVE LOVE this! And I see a hint of aquafaba inside the recipe? Amazing!! 🙂 Always a pleasure to see your new recipes Jennifer!
Jenn S. says
09/25/2015 at 7:44 amThanks, Levan!! Aquafaba is my new favorite egg replacer. I’ve been using it in everything. Still need to try out your AMAZING macaroons though!
Monica Gilbert says
09/25/2015 at 11:46 pmAqua faba is also brilliant to dunk tofu in after dowsing with flour and before crumbing. I made the mistake of not wiping the bottom of the glass jar I poured the aqua faba into before I put it in the fridge. It’s excellent as glue!
Jenn S. says
09/26/2015 at 8:03 amMonica, that is a brilliant tip!! Sometimes mistakes are actually happy accidents!
Howie Fox says
09/24/2015 at 3:19 pmOh woww, I like the idea, this wrap sounds delicious! I’d leave out the mushrooms though. I only eat them when I really have no other choice. Like when I’m on the moon and that’s the only edible thing left. =P
Jenn S. says
09/24/2015 at 8:12 pmLOL, Hauke!! My son detests mushrooms too, but he happily gobbled these up. He had no clue they were in there. You don’t taste them, but they do give a nice depth of flavor. You should try it!!!
Linda @ Veganosity says
09/24/2015 at 9:32 amLettuce wraps are the best! Don’t you love taking random leftovers and turning them into something awesome? Great recipe, Jenn!
Jenn S. says
09/24/2015 at 8:11 pmYou should have seen our dinner tonight, Linda! Talk about random leftovers…but it turned into some delicious enchiladas!! Leftovers rule!
veganinthefreezer says
09/23/2015 at 6:36 pmOh, man! These sound absolutely fantastic. Love the flavors and then eating them as a lettuce wrap sounds even better.
Jenn S. says
09/23/2015 at 7:25 pmThank you, Ginny! Sometimes it’s a good problem to be out of bread/buns! 🙂
Pretty Practical Pantry says
09/23/2015 at 8:59 amI’m going to pin this so that I remember to make it later. Looks so delicious!!!!
Jenn S. says
09/23/2015 at 7:25 pmThanks, Byron!! Pin away!! 🙂
Traditionally Modern Food says
09/22/2015 at 4:49 pmBurger with rice and lentil looks delicious
Jenn S. says
09/23/2015 at 7:57 amThanks!
Michelle says
09/22/2015 at 4:43 pmThis burger lettuce wrap resonates well with me. I just love everything about this recipe and I can’t wait to try it!
Jenn S. says
09/23/2015 at 7:57 amThank you so much, Michelle! Please let me know if you do!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com says
09/22/2015 at 8:58 amLove this healthier version of a burger. I’m such a big lentil fan and try to eat them at least twice a week. Looks like I’ll have to try this recipe out soon 🙂
Jenn S. says
09/22/2015 at 3:12 pmMe too, Vanessa! I LOVE lentils! Don’t know what I would do without them! I hope you love it!
pragatibidkar says
09/21/2015 at 9:53 pmLove these…the sesame based sauce really brings it together…and the lentil brown rice combo is really robust. Awesome!
Jenn S. says
09/22/2015 at 3:11 pmThanks, Pragati!! The sauce really does make the meal!!
Christine says
09/21/2015 at 12:57 pmLoving all the flavors in this and the no bun necessary-ness of it. HOW on earth, though, did you get your lettuce to swaddle that burger so perfectly? Mine NEVER look like that. Be honest. Did you use tape 😉
Jenn S. says
09/21/2015 at 5:40 pmLOL, Christine. I’ll let you in on my little secret: I had an ugly looking toothpick in there and I photoshopped it out. Ha! Because for the life of me I couldn’t get it to stay closed without the toothpick. I tried “sealing” it with sauce, but that didn’t work either. Tape is a pretty good idea though!! 😉
Monica Gilbert says
09/21/2015 at 11:04 pmThat is hysterical Jenn! Surely there must be edible tape available. I mean there ARE edible underpants!!
Jenn S. says
09/22/2015 at 3:12 pmOMG, hysterical! I’ll let you know if I find any, but for now, Photoshop! 🙂
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchenc says
09/21/2015 at 10:56 amI seriously want to take a big bite of this 🙂 I love eating my burgers in lettuce wraps as well! Love that sauce on top!
Jenn S. says
09/21/2015 at 5:38 pmThanks, Ceara! The sauce makes the meal, right?
veggiesdontbite says
09/20/2015 at 2:38 pmI love a good veggie burger and this sounds delicious! Lettuce wraps are such a good twist too. I love this when I don’t feel like too much bread. YUM!
Jenn S. says
09/20/2015 at 9:44 pmThanks, Sophia! I’m actually glad I was out of buns because lettuce wraps really do go best with these!
veggiesdontbite says
09/21/2015 at 10:41 pmI bet! It’s almost like those asian chicken lettuce wraps but a vegan burger!
Jenn S. says
09/22/2015 at 3:11 pmYes, exactly!
Natalie says
09/19/2015 at 8:41 amI love the lettuce wrap idea, why have I never tried this before!!!? And the texture looks amazing, between the mushrooms and the lentils i bet there is a lot umami going on in every dang bite! Plus I love asian flavors, always my favorite <3 You are so right about putting the flavor in the burger with veggie burgers, plus then you can still put a sauce on top and have double complimentary flavors going on!!! Vegan food really is the best 🙂
Jenn S. says
09/20/2015 at 9:28 amYes! Double the flavor…always a winner! 🙂 Thanks, Natalie!
Strength and Sunshine says
09/19/2015 at 5:59 amWoowee! These look like meat burgers! (Scared me for a second) 😉 Haha!
Soo good though! Asian flavors are some of the best…sesame love for life!
Jenn S. says
09/19/2015 at 6:45 amLOL, Rebecca! Don’t worry, you won’t be finding any meat here, I promise! I am huge sesame lover too!! It’s so good! Have a great weekend!
Monica Gilbert says
09/19/2015 at 3:42 amThis looks absolutely wonderful but I have a memory like a sieve so I need to print the recipe. Is there a print button that I’m missing? And yes, yes, I’m all for keeping it green but being vegan I’m way ahead of the meat eaters in saving the planet.
Jenn S. says
09/19/2015 at 6:44 amHi, Monica! There is a print button right below the picture in the recipe box. I need to find a way to make that bigger!! Have a great weekend!
Monica Gilbert says
09/19/2015 at 8:16 amAHA!!! Found it. Brilliant. Thanks a bunch Jenn.
Jenn S. says
09/20/2015 at 9:25 amGreat!!