Zesty Ginger Chicken & Steak Lettuce Wraps
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic Asian flavors with these Zesty Ginger Chicken & Steak Lettuce Wraps. Perfect for lunch or as a light snack, these wraps incorporate tender marinated chicken or skirt steak, a vibrant mix of ginger, garlic, and tangy citrus, all nestled in crisp romaine lettuce leaves. The addition of hoisin sauce and scallions elevates the dish, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat that’s easy to prepare. Serve them as a fun and interactive meal with friends and family, and watch them disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or skirt steak
1 lb (Diced into small pieces)
Fresh ginger
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (Divided for marinade and sautéing)
Romaine lettuce
2 heads (Cleaned and separated into leaves)
Fresh orange juice
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (None)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (None)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (Regular or gluten-free, depending on preference)
Hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Scallion
1 ounce (Sliced thin)
Gluten-free soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely dicing the boneless skinless chicken breasts or skirt steak into small bite-sized pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced meat with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix thoroughly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, remaining soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Set this citrus-soy mixture aside until ready to use.
4
Prepare the romaine lettuce by chopping off the ends, separating the leaves, and rinsing them under cold water. Pat the leaves dry and refrigerate until you’re ready to fill them.
5
Slice the scallions into thin rings and keep them refrigerated until serving.
6
Heat a large sauté pan or skillet over high heat and lightly coat it with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
7
Carefully add the marinated meat to the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Sear the meat for about 2 ½ minutes, allowing it to develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.
8
After browning, gently toss the meat in the pan and continue to sear for another 2 ½ minutes. This caramelization is essential for deepening the flavor of your dish.
9
Pour half of the reserved citrus-soy mixture into the pan, tossing the meat to coat evenly. Allow it to cook until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat beautifully. Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking.
10
Transfer the glazed meat to a serving bowl. To serve, take a romaine leaf, spoon some of the ginger-infused meat onto it, and top with fresh scallion rings. Enjoy your delicious wraps!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
375mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What proteins can I use for these lettuce wraps?
You can use 1 lb of either boneless skinless chicken breasts or skirt steak diced into small bite-sized pieces.
How long should the meat marinate?
The meat should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using the optional gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
What type of lettuce is recommended for the wraps?
Romaine lettuce is recommended, specifically using the cleaned and separated leaves from 2 heads.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides 18.75g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for these wraps?
These wraps are low-carb, containing 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sodium is in the Zesty Ginger Chicken & Steak Lettuce Wraps?
There is 375mg of sodium per serving.
What ingredients make up the citrus-soy mixture?
The mixture consists of fresh orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh minced ginger.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the inclusion of 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using vegetable oil, divided between the marinade and the sautéing process.
How do I prepare the romaine lettuce?
Chop off the ends, separate the leaves, rinse under cold water, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.
How should the scallions be prepared?
Slice 1 ounce of scallions into thin rings and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
What is the secret to getting a crispy crust on the meat?
Sear the meat in a large skillet over high heat for 2.5 minutes per side without overcrowding the pan.
When do I add the citrus-soy sauce during cooking?
Add half of the reserved mixture after the meat has been browned on both sides, then cook until it thickens into a glaze.
Can I adjust the amount of sauce used?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting the amount of citrus-soy sauce to your personal liking.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
The recipe uses a total of 13 ingredients.
How do I serve the lettuce wraps?
Spoon the ginger-infused meat onto a romaine leaf and top it with fresh scallion rings.
Does this recipe contain hoisin sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce is used to add depth and sweetness to the citrus-soy glaze.
Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh citrus?
While fresh orange, lime, and lemon juices are recommended for the best flavor, bottled juices can be used in a pinch.
What is the suggested heat level for the pan when cooking the meat?
The pan or skillet should be heated over high heat to ensure proper searing and caramelization.
Is this recipe suitable for a light snack?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for lunch or as a light, refreshing snack.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include asian, stir-fry, chicken, steak, healthy, low carb, lettuce wraps, quick meal, and citrus flavors.
How long does the actual cooking process take?
The meat is seared for approximately 5 minutes total (2.5 minutes per side) before glazing.
Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe explicitly lists 2 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce as an optional ingredient.
Should I dice the meat before or after marinating?
The meat should be diced into small bite-sized pieces before being combined with the marinade.
Why is it important to pat the lettuce dry?
Patting the leaves dry ensures the wraps stay crisp and prevents the sauce from becoming watered down.