These Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a light meal or appetizer. With tender ground chicken sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, fresh vegetables, and a kick of sriracha, each bite is a burst of savory goodness. Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they are both refreshing and satisfying. Topped with chopped cilantro and green onions, and served with zesty lime wedges, these lettuce cups are a fun and healthy way to enjoy a delicious dish. Ideal for gatherings or meal prep, they can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the vibrant taste of these flavorful cups!
Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups
Rated 5.0 stars by 4 users
Category
Appetizer / Main Course
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Experience a burst of flavor with these Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups, where tender ground chicken meets aromatic garlic and ginger, all sautéed to perfection. Fresh vegetables like crunchy red bell peppers and carrots add color and texture, while a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha brings a delightful kick. Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, each cup offers a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. Garnished with vibrant green onions and cilantro, and served with zesty lime wedges, these cups are not only visually appealing but also a fun, healthy option for a light meal or appetizer. Perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight dinner, these lettuce cups are a delicious way to enjoy a taste of Asia!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon of Ginger
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1 teaspoon sriracha pow
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Lettuce Cups:
- 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions
Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.Stir in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add Sauces and Season: Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Mix well to combine, allowing the filling to cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Lettuce Cups: While the filling is cooking, carefully separate the lettuce leaves. Choose the largest, most intact leaves for cups.
Assemble the Cups: Spoon the chicken filling into each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped cilantro and extra green onions if desired.
Serve: Arrange the filled lettuce cups on a serving platter. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy! These spicy Asian chicken lettuce cups are perfect for a light meal or appetizer, combining crunchy lettuce with savory, flavorful filling.
Recipe Note
Lettuce Selection: Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce works best for creating sturdy cups. Choose large, intact leaves for easy filling.
Protein Variations: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the level of sriracha based on your heat preference. You can also add chopped chili peppers for extra spice.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like water chestnuts, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage for added crunch and flavor.
Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra sauces on the side, such as sweet chili sauce or a peanut sauce, for dipping.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the filling and lettuce cups separately to maintain freshness. The filling can be reheated and served again in fresh lettuce cups.
Enjoy experimenting with this delicious and versatile recipe!