How to Make Black Bean Lettuce Wraps (Low Carb Vegetarian Recipe)

Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

Weeknights are always busy, and standing at the stove is the last thing I want to be doing after working all day. These black bean lettuce wraps are a quick and easy dinner idea. They are low carb and vegetarian, so they make a healthy dinner even without spending a lot of time cooking.

Although these Mexican lettuce wraps aren’t exactly like a taco, I like to think of them as a taco replacement. I add a mayonnaise based dressing, but you can make these low carb taco lettuce wraps without for more of a taco flavor.

This is a no bake meal. Therefore they are quick and easy to make on a busy weeknight. You can prepare the lettuce a few days in advance if you meal prep. The filling can also be prepared in advance. However, the avocado should be made just before serving as it can turn brown.

Are Lettuce Wraps Healthy?

Lettuce wraps are are generally considered a healthy meal option. However, this also depends on what you put inside your lettuce wraps. Lettuce has fewer calories than bread or taco shells, so they are a healthy substitute. These vegetarian Mexican lettuce wraps have avocado, black beans, tomatoes and corn, so I consider them a healthier meal choice than tacos filled with red meat and cheese.

A serving of four black bean lettuce wraps, prepared as indicated, has just 387 calories per serving with 8 grams of protein and 17 net carbs.

Are Lettuce Wraps Good for Weight Loss?

Swapping bread or taco shells for low carb taco lettuce wraps will save you carbohydrates and calories. If your weight loss plan includes cutting carbs or calories, then eating black bean lettuce wraps may help you. As Mexican lettuce wraps are both a low calorie and a low carb food, they may help you reach your weight loss goals.

Do Lettuce Wraps Have Carbs?

Lettuce has 1 gram of carbohydrates with 0.5 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving. The wraps are low carb, but the ingredients that you add may not be low carb. Corn, for example, is higher in carbs than most other vegetables. However, the fiber in most vegetables generally reduces the net carbs so they are keto friendly.

What is the Best Lettuce for Lettuce Wraps?

I recommend using butter lettuce to make vegetarian black bean lettuce wraps. It has a good texture and holds its shape well to make a substitute for a taco shell. This type of lettuce also has a mild flavor that makes it a great option when making tacos. It’s not as crunchy as iceberg lettuce, however it is easier to fold over to make a taco.

Butter lettuce has a wide leaf that has a round shape. This helps create almost a bowl for you to create your Mexican lettuce wraps. The leaves are heavy enough to support your toppings, including any meat if you decide to add it.

If you can’t find butter lettuce, then you can use iceberg, Romaine lettuce or baby gem. Iceberg is easy to find at most grocery stores and has a nice crunch to make lettuce wraps. Romaine lettuce has a small leaf, so you’ll need to use the outer leaves. Baby gems are good for mini Mexican lettuce wraps.

How Do You Crisp Lettuce?

Since the lettuce replaces taco shells in these low carb taco lettuce wraps, you’ll want to ensure that the lettuce wraps are crisp. Here’s how to prepare your lettuce so that it is nice and crisp:

• Snap off the core of a head of butter lettuce. Cut around the core to remove it completely.
• The leaves will start to separate on their own. Separate any leaves that did not separate.
• Put the lettuce leaves in a bowl of cold water and rinse until the water is clean.
• Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves.
• After the salad spinner, place the leaves on a paper towel to remove any excess water.
• Use the lettuce right away or spread the leaves of paper towels and place in a resealable bag. You can store them for up to three days to make low carb taco lettuce wraps.

Tips for the Best Low Carb Taco Lettuce Wraps

These black bean lettuce wraps are fairly easy to make, but here are some tips to help you make them:

• Wash the lettuce and make sure that it is completely dry so that it stays crisp.
• You can prepare the lettuce up to 3 days in advance.
• Use butter lettuce, romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce.
• Sprinkle chili flakes on top of your vegetarian Mexican lettuce wraps for some heat if desired.

Substitutions and Variations for Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

Although these low carb taco lettuce wraps are delicious on their own, you can make substitutions and variations to create your own dish. Try one of these variations:

• Add ground beef or shredded pork if desired.
• Top with homemade guacamole instead of adding avocado.
• I like the mayonnaise based dressing, but you can omit it if desired.
• You can add more vegetables or omit vegetables based on your tastes.