Description
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal, featuring savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delicious Thai-inspired sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizers, they offer a satisfying meal with a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter (if using), sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully cooked and browned.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped onion, garlic, grated ginger, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Wraps: Separate lettuce leaves and use them as “wraps.” Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and peanuts if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
- Adjust spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded cabbage for more variety.
- Peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce makes a great dipping option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian
