Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful twist on Asian flavors that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. With a perfectly balanced blend of ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a luscious teriyaki sauce, these wraps are not just delicious but also versatile. Serve them in crisp lettuce leaves for a light low-carb bite, or opt for soft flour tortillas to create a more filling meal. Ideal as an appetizer or main course, they can be garnished with fresh shredded carrots and paired with rice noodles for an extra layer of texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these wraps are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/4 cup (none)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup (none)
ground chicken
1 lb (none)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (chopped)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
rice noodles
to taste (optional)
shredded carrot
to taste (optional)
iceberg lettuce leaves
as needed (washed and separated)
flour tortilla
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. This will serve as the base for your marinade.
2
Add the teriyaki sauce to the cornstarch mixture and stir until well combined.
3
Incorporate the ground chicken and chopped water chestnuts into the marinade, mixing thoroughly to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
4
Cover the bowl and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken mixture in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
7
To serve, place the cooked chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves or flour tortillas. Top with optional rice noodles and shredded carrots for added flavor and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
They are a gourmet twist on Asian flavors featuring ground chicken and water chestnuts in a teriyaki glaze, served in crisp lettuce or tortillas.
What are the main ingredients for the chicken filling?
The filling consists of ground chicken, chopped water chestnuts, teriyaki sauce, water, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
How do I prepare the marinade base?
Whisk together 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth before adding the teriyaki sauce.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of ground chicken for a consistent texture that fits well into wraps.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken mixture should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What provides the crunch in these wraps?
Crunch is provided by the chopped water chestnuts in the filling and optional toppings like shredded carrots and rice noodles.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of lettuce?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used as an alternative to lettuce leaves for a more filling meal.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
Iceberg lettuce leaves are recommended; they should be washed and separated for easy filling.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is whisked with water to create a base that helps thicken the teriyaki sauce into a luscious glaze.
How do I cook the chicken mixture?
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in small batches until golden brown.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The chicken typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook until it is no longer pink in the center.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
When served in lettuce leaves, these wraps are considered a light, low-carb bite.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
Optional garnishes include fresh shredded carrots and rice noodles for extra flavor and texture.
Why should I cook the chicken in small batches?
Cooking in small batches prevents overcrowding the pan, ensuring the chicken browns properly rather than steaming.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large mixing bowl for marinating and a wok or large skillet for cooking the chicken.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, these wraps are versatile and work perfectly as either an appetizer or a main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe includes 10 total ingredients, including optional toppings and wrap choices.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking the chicken mixture.
How do I prepare the water chestnuts?
One 8-ounce can of water chestnuts should be drained and chopped before being added to the marinade.
Is this recipe suitable for quick weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a quick meal that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
How much teriyaki sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce to be mixed into the cornstarch and water base.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
The cornstarch in the marinade acts as a thickener, so ensuring it is well-whisked before cooking will help achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
While the recipe focuses on chicken and water chestnuts, you can easily customize it with other finely chopped vegetables.
Is the chicken cooked at a high temperature?
Yes, it is cooked over medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown sear.
Should the chicken be covered while marinating?
Yes, you should cover the bowl while it sits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What texture do the rice noodles add?
Rice noodles add an extra layer of texture and crunch when used as a topping.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
While the recipe specifies ground chicken, ground turkey is a common and suitable substitute for this style of dish.
How do I prepare the lettuce for serving?
The iceberg lettuce leaves should be washed and carefully separated to form clean cups for the filling.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Yes, the customizable nature and gourmet presentation make it perfect for entertaining.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a savory and balanced blend of salty teriyaki, mild chicken, and sweet-crisp water chestnuts.