Oh, the joy of a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a mini escape to a bustling Asian market! These Easy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the kind of dish that makes you sigh in relief—fresh, crunchy, and just the right amount of savory. You know that moment when you realize you forgot to buy something essential, like soy sauce, but then remember you have a trusty bottle stashed away? That’s the magic here—simple ingredients transforming into something unexpectedly delightful, like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the sauce for the lettuce wraps. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. If your peanut butter is thick, gently heat it to ensure it mixes well.
- In a pan, heat peanut oil and add ground chicken, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the chicken is browned and the onions are clear, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Incorporate the finely diced peppers and water chestnuts into the pan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Let it simmer on low heat until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- To serve, spoon the filling into lettuce leaves, or alternatively, place it over rice or noodles. Enjoy your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps as a main dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil
- ½ onion, finely diced
- ½ Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup red or green pepper, finely diced
- 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and finely diced
- ¼ cup peanuts, crushed
- Lettuce leaves or your preferred Asian salad for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 836.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 57.2g | Protein: 74.8g | Fat: 36.8g | Saturated Fat: 7.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 104g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 174.4mg | Sodium: 2700mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 5.6g | Sugar: 34.4g | Vitamin A: 2660IU | Vitamin C: 220.8mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1.6mg
FAQ
- What type of lettuce is ideal for making wraps?
- For optimal wraps, consider using Butterhead lettuce, Green Leaf Lettuce, or Romaine Lettuce. Ensure that the leaves are large and flexible enough for wrapping.
- How should I prepare lettuce for wraps?
- Simply cut off the bottom of the lettuce head, then gently peel off each leaf. Remember to wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before serving.
- What can be used as a substitute for ground chicken?
- Finely diced chicken breasts can replace ground chicken. Ground turkey or ground beef are also viable alternatives.
- Is there a substitute for peanut oil in this recipe?
- Yes, if you don’t have peanut oil or have a peanut allergy, you can substitute it with olive oil or avocado oil.
- How should leftover lettuce wrap filling be stored?
- Keep any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store lettuce separately to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Tips
- Use a Food Processor for Dicing: To ensure the vegetables are finely diced and evenly textured, consider using a food processor. This can save time and provide consistent results for each bite.
- Warm Peanut Butter for Sauce: If your peanut butter is thick and solid at room temperature, gently warm it before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly with the other sauce ingredients.
- Separate Storage for Freshness: Store any leftover filling and lettuce separately to maintain the lettuce’s crispness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Flexible Lettuce Selection: When choosing lettuce for wraps, opt for varieties like Butterhead, Green Leaf, or Romaine, ensuring the leaves are large and flexible enough to hold the filling securely.
Equipment
- Wok – For traditional Asian cooking and high-heat stir-frying.
- Food Processor – Useful for finely dicing vegetables quickly and efficiently.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftover lettuce wrap filling in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Cast Iron Skillet – An alternative to a wok for cooking the filling.
