These lettuce wraps are one of my absolute favorite dinners. Seriously, I could probably have them every week, multiple times a week, and not get sick of them! I love that they're so easy and quick to throw together, but are also really healthy and seriously delicious.
Lots of mainstream chinese restaurants (like P.F. Chang's) have versions of them, usually as an appetizer, but they work great as an entree, too.
This meal is super flavorful + filling without being heavy, which is awesome, and if you have leftovers, it makes a great lunch the next day, too! I hope you give it a try!
Chinese Lettuce Wraps
- 1 lb. ground chicken (or turkey) breast
- 1/2 small yellow onion, minced
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch nob fresh ginger, peeled & finely grated/minced
- 3-4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 of an 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained & chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- lettuce leaves, washed & patted dry (I like crisp lettuces like inner romaine leaves or iceberg the best!)
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)
Cooking Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. peanut butter
- 1/2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)
- dash of fresh pepper
Heat a large, nonstick skillet on high. Add the chicken, yellow onion, salt, and pepper, and cook until chicken is nearly done, making sure to stir often to break up the meat. Add in the minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.
Meanwhile, it's time to make the sauce! In a microwave safe bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili sauce, and pepper. Microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the peanut butter & honey melt a bit. Stir until the sauce is smooth, then add into the skillet & stir to combine.
Add the chopped green onion, cilantro, and water chestnuts into the skillet, and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.
Serve with the cold lettuce leaves, and sprinkle on chopped peanuts & extra cilantro, if desired.
Trust me - you will want to give this recipe a try!
*A couple notes - this recipe serves 2-3 people as is, but is very easy to double if you're feeding more people or want to have leftovers. And you can also make extra sauce to serve on the side, if you like!
*Recipe adapted from Iowa Girl Eats
Happy Tuesday!
