Indulge in the light yet flavorful Oriental Zest Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. These wraps combine the savory taste of stir-fried chicken with the crisp freshness of lettuce, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for a healthy appetizer or a light meal, they're sure to delight with their burst of Asian-inspired flavors.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 4 servings
- Serving Size: 2-3 wraps
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
- Ground chicken - 500 grams (1.1 pounds)
- Large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves - 12
- Hoisin sauce - 3 tablespoons
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
- Ginger, minced - 1 teaspoon
- Green onions, thinly sliced - 2
- Water chestnuts, finely chopped - ½ cup
- Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
- Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the chicken. Mix well.
- Stir in chopped water chestnuts and green onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Separate the lettuce leaves, washing and drying them thoroughly.
- To serve, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the lettuce leaves are intact and large enough to hold the filling.
- Draining the ground chicken well after cooking helps prevent soggy wraps.
- For added spice, include a drizzle of sriracha or chili sauce in the chicken mixture.
- Customize the filling with additional vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or beef works well as a substitute.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Can these wraps be made in advance?
Prepare the filling in advance, but assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
Your Oriental Zest Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful fusion of taste and texture, ready to transport you to a world of fresh, zesty flavors. Light yet satisfying, these wraps are perfect for a healthy, flavor-packed meal. Dive in and enjoy the crunch and savory goodness in every bite