Description
Savor delightful Asian chicken lettuce wraps that blend crispy textures with zesty flavors from traditional Chinese cuisine. Light, refreshing lettuce cups cradle perfectly seasoned chicken, promising a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) tamari (low sodium or soy sauce, coconut aminos)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Thai sweet red chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- Sesame seeds for topping
Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) yellow or white onion, diced
- 1/4–1/2 cup (30–60 grams) carrots, shredded
- 1/3 cup (45 grams) cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed and dried
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until they become golden and translucent, then introduce minced garlic and ginger. Allow the mixture to infuse for 2 minutes, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Introduce ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat turns golden and loses its pink color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Craft the Thai-inspired sauce by whisking together soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Gently toss to coat, reducing heat to low and simmering for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool briefly. Fold in fresh carrots, scallions, and cilantro, creating a vibrant and textured filling.
- Construct the lettuce wraps by carefully spooning the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Drizzle with remaining pan sauce and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili sauce quantity for mild or spicy preferences.
- Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options.
- Toast cashews beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
- Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce total meal preparation time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg