Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Cups
Ditch the takeout and indulge in these delectable Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Cups that are ready in just 20 minutes! Bursting with savory goodness, this homemade dish features tender ground chicken or turkey, infused with a blend of hoisin and soy sauces, zesty rice wine vinegar, and a kick of chili-garlic sauce. Aromatic garlic and ginger harmonize with crunchy water chestnuts and fresh green onions for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Serve this satisfying filling in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light yet delicious meal that's perfect for lunch or a fun dinner option. Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it’s also healthier, allowing you to savor the rich tastes of your favorite restaurant dish in the comfort of your home. Enjoy a culinary adventure with your family and friends that will leave them asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
sesame oil
1 (tablespoon)
ground chicken
1 (lb)
vidalia onion or yellow onion
1 (large, diced small)
hoisin sauce
1/3 (cup)
low sodium soy sauce
2 (tablespoons)
rice wine vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
asian chili-garlic sauce
1 (tablespoon)
minced garlic cloves
3 (minced)
ground ginger
1 (teaspoon)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce can, drained and diced small)
green onions
2-3 (sliced into thin rounds)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon, to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon, to taste)
butter lettuce leaves
8 (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet. Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent and most of the liquid has evaporated.
3
Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the mix, stirring until well incorporated. Continue to cook for 1 minute or until the mixture is aromatic.
4
Stir in the diced water chestnuts, sliced green onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, adding more seasoning if desired. Ensure that the filling is heated through and the water chestnuts are tender.
5
To serve, spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the filling into each butter lettuce leaf. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and store any leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total preparation and cook time for Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Cups?
This dish is very quick to prepare and can be ready to serve in just 20 minutes.
What type of ground meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for either ground chicken or ground turkey as the primary protein.
Which type of lettuce is best for making these cups?
Butter lettuce leaves are recommended because they are flexible, tender, and the perfect shape for holding the filling.
What gives the chicken filling its signature Asian flavor?
The flavor profile comes from a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and chili-garlic sauce.
How long can I store leftovers of the chicken filling?
Leftover chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, by using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas or buns, this recipe is naturally low-carb.
Can I substitute the ground chicken with a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
What ingredients are used to provide a crunch to the filling?
Diced water chestnuts are added to the mixture to provide a satisfying, fresh crunch.
How do I prepare the water chestnuts?
You should drain an 8-ounce can of water chestnuts and dice them into small pieces before adding them to the skillet.
What kind of onion should I use for this recipe?
A large Vidalia onion or a yellow onion, diced small, works best for this dish.
Is the filling spicy?
The recipe includes one tablespoon of Asian chili-garlic sauce, which provides a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh grated ginger can be used as a substitute for the one teaspoon of ground ginger for a brighter flavor.
How much filling should I put in each lettuce leaf?
The recipe suggests spooning approximately 1/4 cup of the filling into each butter lettuce leaf.
What oils are needed for cooking the chicken?
A combination of olive oil and sesame oil is used to provide both high-heat cooking ability and nutty flavor.
How long should the chicken be cooked before adding other ingredients?
The ground chicken should be browned and fully cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes.
When should the minced garlic and ginger be added?
Garlic and ginger should be added after the onion has softened, then cooked for about 1 minute until aromatic.
What can I substitute for rice wine vinegar?
If you don't have rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
Is it necessary to use low-sodium soy sauce?
The recipe recommends low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish, especially since hoisin sauce also contains sodium.
How many lettuce leaves are prepared in this recipe?
The recipe is designed to fill 8 butter lettuce leaves.
What is the final step in cooking the filling?
The final step is to stir in the water chestnuts, green onions, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that your hoisin sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free (or use tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.
What should I do if the filling is too liquidy?
Continue to cook the mixture for a few extra minutes over medium-high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Are there any specific garnishes recommended?
Sliced green onions are stirred into the filling and serve as a fresh garnish.
Can the filling be served cold?
The filling can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different meal times.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including oils and seasonings.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While the lettuce cannot be frozen, the cooked chicken filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What is the main aromatic used in the recipe?
The main aromatics are garlic, ginger, and onion.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely shredded carrots or diced bell peppers would make excellent additions to the chicken mixture.
How do I prevent the lettuce leaves from breaking?
Carefully peel the leaves from the head of lettuce and wash them gently; using two layers of lettuce per cup can provide extra stability.