Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Introduction
Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic dish that combines fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch. They are perfect for any meal and can be made quickly. With juicy ground chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only delicious but also healthy. They are low in carbs and packed with nutrients. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and flavorful sauces makes every bite a delight. Plus, they are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making them perfect for everyone at the table.
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Making Chicken Lettuce Wraps is simple. To start, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Ground pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ to 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice wine vinegar)
- 5 ounces water chestnuts, drained and diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated, rinsed, and patted dry
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and diced onion. Sprinkle with a bit of ground pepper. Avoid adding salt yet.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the moisture has evaporated, add the garlic paste and sauté for another minute until it smells fragrant.
- Mix in the ginger paste, sesame oil, sriracha, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and mirin. Stir until everything is blended and simmering for a few minutes.
- Add in the water chestnuts and sliced green onions. Heat through. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Spoon this delicious chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Serve your Chicken Lettuce Wraps as a main dish or as a fun appetizer. Line the table with lettuce leaves and the chicken mixture, allowing everyone to assemble their own wraps. You can also add extra toppings like chopped peanuts, cucumbers, or even some lime wedges for added flavor.
How to Store Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you have leftovers, store the chicken mixture and lettuce leaves separately. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce can be kept in a sealed bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and use fresh lettuce for your wraps.
Tips to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Don’t rush the cooking process; allow the chicken to brown properly for more flavor.
- Adjust the sriracha to suit your spice preference. You can use less or leave it out altogether.
- Add more veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
Variation
Feel free to substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add different sauces or toppings according to your taste preferences.
FAQs
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Can I make Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
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What type of lettuce is best for wraps? Butter lettuce is great because it’s soft and wraps well. You can also use iceberg lettuce for extra crunch.
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How can I make it spicier? You can add more sriracha or even some chopped fresh chili peppers to the mixture for extra heat!
Now you have everything you need to make delicious Chicken Lettuce Wraps! Enjoy cooking and the wonderful flavors of this dish.