Pork Lettuce Rolls
Japanese Pork Lettuce Rolls (Lettuce no Nikumaki) – Easy Rolls with Teriyaki Sauce
If you’re looking for a quick Japanese home-style dish that feels light yet satisfying, this Pork Lettuce Rolls, known in Japanese as レタスの肉巻き (Lettuce no Nikumaki), is a perfect choice.
Crisp lettuce is wrapped in thinly sliced pork, then pan-seared and coated in a simple teriyaki sauce made with pantry staples. The lettuce lightly wilts inside the pork, keeping the rolls juicy without feeling heavy. It’s one of those dishes that comes together fast but tastes like something cozy and satisfying to enjoy at home.
This recipe is especially great for busy weeknights, and it’s mild enough that kids enjoy it too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light but satisfying: Lettuce keeps the dish fresh and balanced
Minimal ingredients: Uses classic Japanese seasonings for the sauce
Versatile: Works with pork loin or pork belly
RECIPE
Servings: 12 pcs
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
1/2 head lettuce
24 slices pork (loin recommended, pork belly also works well)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
Instructions:
Prepare the lettuce
Remove the core from the lettuce and carefully separate each leaf.
Wash and gently dry them if needed.
Wrap the lettuce with pork
Place 2 slices of pork lengthwise, slightly overlapping.
Take 1 lettuce leaf and gently roll it into a small ball.
Place it at one end of the pork slices and roll tightly to wrap the lettuce completely.
Lightly season the outside with salt and pepper.
Cook the pork rolls
Heat a pan over medium heat with a small amount of cooking oil.
Place the pork rolls seam-side down and cook, turning occasionally, until the pork is fully cooked and lightly browned on all sides.
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the sugar, soy sauce, and mirin until the sugar dissolves.
Glaze the pork
Pour the sauce into the pan and gently toss the pork rolls, letting the sauce coat them evenly.
Cook for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
My Kitchen Tool:
Tips & Variations
Use pork belly for extra richness and a more indulgent bite
Don’t overcook the lettuce — it should stay tender, not mushy
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving for extra flavor
Serve with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sweet soy glaze
How to Serve
These pork-wrapped lettuce rolls are perfect as:
A main dish with rice and miso soup
A bento-friendly protein
A lighter alternative to traditional meat-heavy dishes
They also reheat well, making them great for next-day lunches.
