Fiery Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Experience the authentic taste of Thailand with these Fiery Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This vibrant stir-fry, loaded with fresh vegetables and aromatic basil, is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Ground chicken takes center stage, cooked to perfection with a spicy kick from Thai chiles. Ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner, you can enjoy these wraps fresh and crisp with a squeeze of zesty lime, or serve them over steamed rice for a heartier meal. Perfect for family gatherings or as a fun weeknight dish, these wraps are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
minced shallot
1/2 cup
thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup
minced fresh garlic
4 teaspoons
ground chicken
1 lb
minced Thai chiles
2 ((can substitute serrano chiles))
fish sauce
1 tablespoon
dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons
low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
basil leaves
1 cup (fresh)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon
lime wedges
4 (for serving)
lettuce leaves
8 (for wrapping (or rice, if preferred))
Instructions
1
Heat a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of canola oil, swirling to coat the pan.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the minced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and continue sautéing for an additional minute until they are slightly tender.
4
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the shallot mixture from the pan and set aside.
5
In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of canola oil, ensuring it coats the surface. Add the ground chicken and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring frequently to crumble the meat, until it is browned and cooked through.
6
Drain any excess fat from the chicken, then return it to the pan over medium heat.
7
Add the minced Thai chiles to the chicken and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate.
8
Add the reserved shallot mixture back into the pan. Stir in the fish sauce, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until everything is thoroughly heated.
9
Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the fresh basil leaves and lime juice until well combined.
10
To serve, spoon about 1/3 cup of the spicy chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf for wrapping or serve over steamed rice. Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Thai Basil Chicken?
It is a vibrant Thai-inspired stir-fry featuring ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil, served in lettuce wraps or over rice.
What meat is used in these wraps?
Ground chicken is the primary protein used in this recipe.
What makes the wraps spicy?
The heat comes from two minced Thai chiles, which provide a significant spicy kick.
What can I use as a substitute for Thai chiles?
If Thai chiles are unavailable, you can substitute them with serrano chiles.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What kind of oil is best for this stir-fry?
Canola oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How do I serve this dish?
You can spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves for wrapping or serve it over steamed rice.
What type of lettuce is used for wrapping?
The recipe calls for 8 lettuce leaves specifically for wrapping the chicken mixture.
When do I add the fresh basil?
The basil should be gently folded into the mixture after the pan has been removed from the heat.
What kind of sugar is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dark brown sugar to balance the heat and salt.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of fish sauce is used to provide authentic Thai savory flavor.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The ground chicken takes approximately 5 minutes to cook until browned and crumbled.
Should I drain the fat from the chicken?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat from the chicken before adding the chiles and sauces.
How do I prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be minced and sautéed for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the serving size for each wrap?
Each lettuce wrap should contain about 1/3 cup of the spicy chicken mixture.
What garnish is recommended?
The wraps are best served with fresh lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
The recipe specifies low sodium soy sauce, but regular soy sauce can be used if preferred.
What pan is best for cooking this dish?
A large wok or a nonstick skillet is ideal for this stir-fry.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy lunch or dinner option that is high in flavor and uses fresh ingredients.
How much basil do I need?
You will need 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
What vegetable provides a crunch in the stir-fry?
Thinly sliced red bell peppers provide color and a slightly tender texture.
When is the lime juice added?
One tablespoon of fresh lime juice is folded in at the end after the pan is removed from the heat.
Can I substitute the ground chicken with another meat?
While the recipe calls for ground chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or pork.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Add the minced garlic after the shallots and peppers have softened, and cook for only about 30 seconds.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal, taking only about 10-15 minutes of total cooking time.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a fusion of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors with a zesty citrus finish.
Do I need to cook the lettuce?
No, the lettuce leaves are used raw and crisp to provide a fresh contrast to the hot chicken.
How many lime wedges should I prepare?
The recipe suggests serving with 4 lime wedges.