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Szechuan Lettuce Wraps
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Szechuan Lettuce Wraps – Cactus Club Cafe Copycat

Szechuan Lettuce Wraps – Cactus Club Cafe Copycat” brings all the bold, spicy flavors you love straight to your kitchen. Inspired by the restaurant’s most popular appetizer, this simple recipe lets you enjoy tender, crispy chicken wrapped in cool, crisp lettuce any night of the week. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy cooks craving a restaurant-quality bite at home.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine south east asian cuisine
Keyword #lettuce wraps
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 People

Ingredients

Protein & Coating

  • 1 large chicken breast sliced into small, thin pieces
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch or ¼ cup cornstarch, or a blend of 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 litre vegetable or canola oil for deep frying

Crunchy Toppings & Garnish

  • 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts
  • Wonton wrappers cut into thin strips
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce leaves separated and washed
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • Small handful fresh cilantro roughly chopped

Sauce:

  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken

Spicy mayo

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha or more, to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ tsp paprika optional

Instructions

  • Prep the Wonton Strips:
  • Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut wonton wrappers into very thin strips.
  • Set aside.
  • Cut and Coat the Chicken:
  • cut he chicken into very thin and small strips then toss in cornstarch (or the cornstarch–flour blend) until evenly coated.
  • Set aside.
  • Mix the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, water, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, ginger, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
  • Set aside.
  • Make the Spicy Mayo:
  • In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and paprika (if using).
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Prep the Herbs:
  • Rinse and slice the green onions.
  • Roughly chop the cilantro or keep the same.
  • Reserve a bit of each for garnish.
  • Wash the Lettuce:
  • cut the iceberg in half, wash, and pat dry.
  • Arrange on a serving platter.
  • Deep Fry the Wonton Strips:
  • Heat oil in a pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Fry the wonton strips until they puff up and turn golden brown (you can stop sooner if you prefer them pale and crisp).
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Deep Fry the Chicken:
  • In the same oil, fry the coated chicken pieces until they’re lightly golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate.
  • Finish the Sauce & Chicken:
  • Add the prepared sauce to a pan and bring it to a simmer.
  • Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly.
  • Add Peanuts & Herbs:
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the peanuts and a handful of chopped cilantro and green onions.
  • Reserve the rest for garnishing.
  • Assemble & Garnish:
  • Pile the saucy chicken onto a serving platter.
  • Top with crispy wonton strips, remaining cilantro, and green onions.
  • Serve alongside the lettuce cups and spicy mayo.
  • Serve & Enjoy:
  • Spoon the chicken into individual lettuce leaves, drizzle with spicy mayo, and dig in!