Lettuce Wraps
These savory and satisfying chicken lettuce wraps offer a vibrant blend of textures and flavors, making them ideal as either a shareable appetizer or a light main course. For a simplified version, serve the filling bowl-style alongside rice, herbs, and crunchy vegetables—equally delicious and fork-friendly.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce*
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 6 white or cremini mushrooms minced
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- 1 can 8 oz / 227 ml water chestnuts, drained and diced
- 1 head iceberg lettuce leaves separated
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Remove the core from the head of iceberg lettuce by either slicing it out or gently tapping the core base on a countertop until it loosens. Rinse cold water into the hollow center to assist in separating the leaves. Carefully peel away each leaf and set them on a clean towel to drain until ready to serve.
- In a large skillet, warm the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until it is thoroughly browned.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced mushrooms. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms release and begin to evaporate their moisture.
- Stir in the sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and diced water chestnuts. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion slices.
- Serve accompanied by lettuce leaves and a selection of toppings including shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, roasted cashews, and lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
For gatherings, pre-assemble lettuce wraps on a platter for easy serving.
When serving as a meal, allow each guest to assemble their own to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.
*To ensure the dish is gluten-free, replace soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos.
When serving as a meal, allow each guest to assemble their own to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.
*To ensure the dish is gluten-free, replace soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos.