Savory Chinese Minced Pork Lettuce Wraps
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of these Savory Chinese Minced Pork Lettuce Wraps, a delightful dish that’s both fresh and satisfying. The tender ground pork is combined with rich aromatics like ginger and garlic, then enhanced with a medley of savory sauces for an explosion of taste. Packed with nutritious water chestnuts and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts, these wraps are perfect for a light entree or can be served in smaller portions as appetizing finger foods. Experience versatility by swapping pork for ground turkey or chicken, making this a go-to recipe for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.
4
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground pork
2 lbs (raw)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
rice wine or dry sherry
3 tablespoons (liquid)
hoisin sauce
4 tablespoons (liquid)
oyster sauce
2 tablespoons (liquid)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (liquid)
water chestnut
1/4 cup (chopped)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
toasted pine nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
iceberg lettuce
2 heads (leaves separated into cups)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the lettuce cups. Carefully separate the leaves of two heads of iceberg lettuce, selecting the inner leaves for the best shape and texture. Use kitchen shears to trim any irregular edges, forming cups as desired. Set these aside to chill in the refrigerator.
2
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground pork. Cook the pork for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, remove the pork from the skillet and drain excess fat, allowing the meat to rest.
3
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Introduce the cooked pork back into the skillet, along with the rice wine (or dry sherry). Stir everything together and allow it to simmer until the liquid reduces slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Incorporate the hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce into the mixture, stirring well to combine all flavors. Allow the filling to heat through for another minute.
6
Finally, gently fold in the chopped water chestnuts and cilantro, warming until everything is heated evenly.
7
Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter. Garnish generously with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
8
Serve the savory pork mixture alongside the prepared lettuce cups, allowing everyone to create their own wraps.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
26.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chinese Minced Pork Lettuce Wraps?
They are a fresh and satisfying dish featuring tender ground pork, aromatics, and savory sauces served in crisp iceberg lettuce leaves.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is 2 lbs of ground pork.
Can I use a different meat besides pork?
Yes, you can swap ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Iceberg lettuce is recommended because its shape and texture are ideal for forming cups.
How should I prepare the lettuce cups?
Carefully separate the leaves, trim any irregular edges with kitchen shears, and chill them in the refrigerator before serving.
What aromatics are used in the pork filling?
The filling uses fresh minced ginger, garlic, and chopped onions.
How long does it take to brown the ground pork?
The pork should be cooked for approximately 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat.
What sauces give the filling its savory flavor?
The dish uses a combination of hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.
Can I substitute the rice wine?
Yes, you can use dry sherry as an alternative to rice wine.
What adds a crunch to the pork mixture?
Chopped water chestnuts and toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch to the dish.
Are these lettuce wraps a healthy meal option?
Yes, they are described as a fresh and nutritious light entree or appetizer.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 26.25g of protein.
Can I serve these as appetizers?
Absolutely, they work well as either a light entree or as small finger food appetizers.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 17.5g of fat.
What is the role of cilantro in the recipe?
Fresh chopped cilantro is folded into the mixture at the end to add flavor and freshness.
How should the onions be cooked?
Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 4 servings, though the specific serving size in ounces or grams is not specified.
When do I add the garlic and ginger?
Add them to the skillet after the onions have softened, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
How much hoisin sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How much oyster sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts.
Should I drain the pork after cooking?
Yes, once the pork is browned, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess fat.
How long should the sauces simmer with the meat?
The mixture should simmer for about 3-5 minutes after adding the rice wine, and another minute after adding the sauces.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the savory pork mixture can be made ahead and reheated before serving with fresh lettuce cups.
Which part of the lettuce head is best to use?
Selecting the inner leaves of the iceberg lettuce provides the best shape for the cups.
Is this dish suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is marketed as a simple weeknight dinner option due to its easy preparation.
How is the dish presented for guests?
The pork mixture is typically placed on a serving platter with the lettuce cups on the side for self-assembly.