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Introduction
Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavors from a spicy hoisin sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh veggies. Dive into each crisp lettuce leaf for a satisfying and low-carb meal!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 450 grams ground chicken
– 15 ml vegetable oil
– 100 grams onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 50 grams red bell pepper, diced
– 75 grams water chestnuts, chopped
– 60 ml hoisin sauce
– 15 ml soy sauce
– 10 ml rice vinegar
– 10 ml sriracha sauce
– 5 ml sesame oil
– 25 grams green onions, chopped
– 10 grams sesame seeds
– 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the red bell pepper and water chestnuts. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Add the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
6. To serve, spoon the chicken mixture onto separate lettuce leaves. Wrap the leaves over the filling and enjoy immediately.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2
Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the red bell pepper and water chestnuts. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 5
Add the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
Step 6
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture onto separate lettuce leaves. Wrap the leaves over the filling and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These chicken lettuce wraps can be served as a light lunch or a healthy dinner option. They pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Storage
If there are leftovers, store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce leaves should be kept separate to maintain their crispness.
Customization
Feel free to add other vegetables such as shredded carrots or chopped mushrooms for additional texture and flavor. Adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha sauce to your preference.
Nutritional Info
These wraps are low in carbs and packed with protein, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Adjust the quantity of the ingredients to suit your nutritional needs.
Cooking Time
The entire process from prep to table takes about 25 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner option.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, keep the lettuce leaves separate and prepare them fresh when ready to serve. You can also freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps can be enhanced with a variety of sides and toppings. Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. You can also add extra toppings such as sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped peanuts for added crunch. For a dipping option, try pairing with extra hoisin sauce or a homemade peanut sauce.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor profile.
– If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu can be crumbled and sautéed in place of meat.
– For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari sauce.
– Water chestnuts can be swapped with chopped bell peppers for crunch if not available.
– Sesame oil can be replaced with olive oil if you prefer a different flavor.
Cook Techniques
Stir-frying
Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil over high heat while stirring constantly. This method helps retain the flavors and textures of the ingredients, making it perfect for dishes like Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Chopping and Dicing
Preparing ingredients by chopping and dicing ensures even cooking and enhances the overall presentation of the dish. Uniformly sized vegetables, such as onions and bell peppers, cook more evenly and create a better texture in the final dish.
Combining Flavors
Creating a flavorful sauce by combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil elevates the dish. This technique helps to infuse the ground chicken and vegetables with a rich taste that balances sweetness, tanginess, and heat.
Using Lettuce as Wraps
Using lettuce leaves as wraps not only makes for a lower-carb option but also adds a refreshing crunch to the dish. Choosing butter or iceberg lettuce helps create a sturdy vessel to hold the filling while providing a fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different proteins instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option, making this recipe versatile.
What types of vegetables can I add to the filling?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as shredded carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to customize the flavor and texture according to your preference.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more sriracha sauce or incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before serving with fresh lettuce leaves.
What can I serve as a side dish with Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
These wraps pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple cucumber salad for added freshness.
Conclusion
Savoring these Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Hoisin Sauce offers a delightful experience of textures and flavors. With their low-carb profile and vibrant ingredients, these wraps are not only enjoyable but also a nourishing option for any meal. Whether for a light lunch or a filling dinner, they bring freshness and satisfaction wrapped within crisp lettuce leaves.
Asian-Inspired Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Swap chicken for sautéed tofu for a vegetarian twist. Use similar seasonings and add mushrooms for an umami boost.
Beef and Ginger Lettuce Wraps
Replace ground chicken with ground beef and incorporate fresh ginger in the sauce for a heartier flavor.
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Use chopped shrimp instead of chicken and enhance with a citrus twist by adding lime juice to the sauce.
Mediterranean Chicken Wraps
Change the flavor profile by seasoning ground chicken with Mediterranean herbs, adding feta cheese, olives, and diced cucumbers.
Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps
Experiment with ground pork and increase the heat by adding extra sriracha or chili flakes to the hoisin sauce mixture.
Quinoa and Bean Lettuce Wraps
For a plant-based option, mix quinoa and black beans as the filling and top with guacamole for added creaminess.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
For a zesty kick, mix shredded buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles and celery for a spicy, tangy wrap experience.
