| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 242 | 9g | 2g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 3g | 24g | 0.65g |
A New Englander’s Love for Asian Cuisine
Being raised in the salty breeze of Maine’s Atlantic coast, I have naturally developed a refined taste for seafood. That being said, I’m not one to shy away from exploring different culinary realms – and that’s where my love for this delightful Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe comes in. It offers an exciting breather from my usual fare and satisfies my ceaseless craving for all things light, fresh, and teeming with flavor.
Resounding Flavors in Every Bite
These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are far from the seafood dishes that I’m so used to preparing, but they hold their ground in their enticingly vibrant and discernible flavors. Wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf, there’s a textural contrast that teams remarkably well with the succulent chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and juicy bell peppers. Every bit is infused with the umami of soy and hoisin sauce and then kick-started with the zest of fresh ginger, deliciously balanced by the citrusy sweetness of mandarin oranges. Top it all off with a hit of Sriracha sauce for that satisfyingly fiery finish. They’re bite-sized wonders that remind me of Asian cuisine’s vibrant flavors, like Chicken Satay or Chinese Chicken Salad.
Health Benefits You Can’t Overlook
Besides the explosion of flavors, another reason why these wraps have earned their spot on my list of favorite recipes is the health benefits they pack. Heart-healthy olive oil, lean protein from the chicken, and a generous serving of vegetables make these wraps a nutritionally rich choice. They’re chock-full of vitamins and minerals, not to mention the immune-boosting properties of fresh ginger and garlic. If you’re watching your carb intake or sticking to a gluten-free diet, these wraps are superbly accommodating. And to those looking for fiber-rich solutions to appetite management, look no further.
What Pairs Well with Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
On its own, this recipe sails smoothly through an intimate family dinner or a friend-laden feast. But if you’re looking to create a menu that beautifully complements these wraps, consider adding dishes such as Miso Soup or a Japanese Cucumber Salad. These will certainly elevate your dining experience while adhering to that much-loved vibrant Asian zest.
Whether it’s the captivating burst of flavor, the bonus health benefits, or the easy pairing options, this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe ends up a winner on all fronts. It’s undeniably one recipe that leaves you craving more.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of ground chicken
- 12 leaves of Butterhead lettuce
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 cup of water chestnuts, diced
- 1 cup of mandarin oranges, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken. Cook until the chicken is browned and crumbled. Season it to taste with salt and pepper.
Step Two
Add garlic, green onions, and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, and Sriracha sauce. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Four
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with chicken and vegetables. Stir it in, making sure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step Five
Add the diced water chestnuts to the pan, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step Six
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the mandarin oranges. Be careful not to smash the oranges, just gently incorporate them.
Step Seven
Prepare your lettuce wraps by placing a handful of the chicken mixture onto each butterhead lettuce leaf. Top each wrap with shredded carrots.
Step Eight
Optional: Garnish each lettuce wrap with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
