My kids LOVE Lettuce Bomb night.  Now let me explain before you get some crazy idea like we explode lettuce or I disguise salad so they think it’s “da bomb”. (they would forbid me from saying that anyway…)

We just really enjoy the Asian Lettuce Wraps at PF Changs.  But I don’t always want to run across town just to grab those tasty wraps.  Nor do I want to pay the price, because honestly, we could eat several orders of those fine little things!  Also, I enjoy throwing something a bit crazy and unexpected in our meals at home.

So I was doing my regular grocery shopping when, much to my great delight, I found a seasoning packet to make my own wraps!  So I bought the packet, some of the dried rice noodles, iceberg lettuce, ground chicken, and went home to create!  

If you’ve never cooked the rice noodles, you’re in for a treat right there!  It’s super easy and fun for the kids to watch.  I use my big dutch oven and heat oil in the bottom.  Get your big tongs or a spatula and slotted spoon ready.  Toss in a bundle, watch them sizzle and expand, flip them over for the other side to do the same, then pull them out.  That quick and simple!  While you’re doing that brown your chicken in a skillet and add the seasonings as directed on the packet.  The iceberg lettuce is also easy to pull apart.  I also like spicy mustard, so I mix some dry mustard with a bit of vinegar to make my own.  Voila!  A quick and fun dinner is ready!

The original lettuce bomb!

As for the bomb name?  Well, sometimes they can be difficult to wrap up.  My son just piled a bunch of the crispy noodles and meat in the middle of his lettuce the first night we had them.  Instead of rolling it up burrito style he just sort of gathered the lettuce up, more like a pouch.  A few noodles were sticking out the top.  He sort of chuckled and said, “Look!  It’s like a lettuce bomb!”  We all laughed and the name stuck!

So the next time you’re grocery shopping or looking for a fun family meal, give the lettuce bombs a try!  I’m sure you’ll create your own fun family memories in the process!!