Name: Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/4 cup shredded carrots; 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated; 1 avocado, sliced (optional); 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

A light yet satisfying dish in which a creamy, chile-kissed tuna salad is tucked inside crisp lettuce leaves. Ready in minutes, these wraps deliver balanced protein, fresh crunch, and clean flavours that suit low-carb, keto, or simply wholesome eating plans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: from pantry to plate in about 10 minutes.
Adjustable heat: scale the sriracha or fresh chilli to your taste.
Portable and mess-free: ideal for lunches, picnics, or appetisers.
Nutritious: high-quality protein, fibre-rich lettuce, and minimal refined carbs.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Canned tuna (5–6 oz / 140–170 g), drained
Mayonnaise or plain Greek yoghurt
Sriracha or other hot sauce
Finely diced red onion or celery
Fresh lime or lemon juice
Salt and ground black pepper
Large lettuce leaves (butter, Bibb, romaine hearts, or iceberg cups)
Optional toppings: diced bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, chopped coriander

directions

Make the filling – In a medium bowl combine the tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, onion or celery, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated and taste to adjust seasoning.
Prepare the lettuce – Rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves; keep them whole and un-torn for easy wrapping.
Assemble – Spoon the spicy tuna mixture into the centre of each leaf. Add any desired toppings.
Serve – Fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 large wraps (serves 2 as a main course or 4 as appetisers)
Active prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes (includes mixing and assembly)

Variations

Thai-inspired – Stir in a few drops of fish sauce, minced fresh ginger, and chopped coriander; garnish with crushed peanuts.
Poke style – Substitute half the canned tuna with diced sashimi-grade raw tuna, add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil.
Creamy avocado – Replace half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for extra healthy fats.
Mediterranean – Use olive-oil-packed tuna, add diced sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and a teaspoon of oregano.
Extra-crunch – Fold in shredded carrot and thinly sliced radish for texture.

storage/reheating

Storage – Keep the prepared tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store lettuce leaves separately to maintain crispness.
Reheating – Not required; the filling is intended to be served chilled. If you prefer it warm, gently heat the tuna mixture in a pan over low heat and assemble wraps just before eating.

FAQs

What type of tuna is best for these wraps?

Chunk light tuna (usually skipjack) offers a pleasant texture and milder flavour, but albacore works well if you prefer larger flakes.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Yes. Prepare the tuna mixture up to 24 hours ahead; store it refrigerated and stir before using.

Which lettuce varieties hold their shape the best?

Butter lettuce and small romaine hearts create natural cups, while iceberg provides extra crunch and stability.

How do I reduce the heat level?

Use less sriracha or replace half of it with plain yoghurt. You may also omit fresh chilli garnish.

Could I replace tuna with another protein?

Canned salmon, shredded cooked chicken, or flaked smoked mackerel can be substituted in equal amounts.

Are these wraps suitable for a keto diet?

Yes. Each wrap contains minimal carbohydrates, making them ideal for low-carb and keto meal plans.

How many calories are in a single wrap?

Approx. 120 kcal per large wrap (based on water-packed tuna and standard mayonnaise), though this varies with toppings.

Can I freeze the tuna mixture?

Freezing is not recommended; mayonnaise-based salads tend to separate and become watery once thawed.

What sauces pair well as a drizzle?

Spicy mayo, sesame-soy vinaigrette, or a squeeze of extra lime juice all complement the tuna’s flavour.

How can I add more vegetables without losing the low-carb profile?

Incorporate finely diced cucumber, bell pepper, or zucchini into the tuna mixture for added texture and nutrients.

Conclusion

Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps demonstrate how a handful of pantry staples can become a vibrant, nourishing meal in minutes. Customise the heat, swap proteins, or vary the add-ins to suit any palate. Assemble just before serving for maximum crunch, and enjoy a fresh, protein-packed wrap whenever time or appetite is short.