Description
These flavorful Chicken Lettuce Wraps feature ground chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and crunchy cashews, tossed in a tangy hoisin and chili garlic sauce, then served wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. A quick and healthy dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, combining savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with fresh cilantro for garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any mild cooking oil)
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 large stalks lemongrass, tender pale inner core only, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped cashews (or peanuts)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Butter lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Cook Chicken: In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the ground chicken and cook thoroughly, crumbling and breaking apart the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Flavorings and Simmer: Stir in the sliced green onions, minced lemongrass, chopped cashews, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and seasoned rice vinegar. Mix well so all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal note.
- Prepare Lettuce Wraps and Serve: Separate the butter lettuce leaves carefully and rinse them with warm water. Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel. Spoon the chicken filling into the center of each lettuce leaf, fold the edges slightly, and enjoy like a taco for a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For extra crunch, toast the cashews lightly before adding them.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha according to your spice tolerance.
- Lemongrass can be replaced with a teaspoon of lemongrass paste if fresh is unavailable.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- Butter lettuce leaves are ideal for wrapping because they are soft and flexible; romaine or iceberg can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
