SM Leach Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Try this recipe for delicious and easy-to-make Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Try this recipe for delicious and easy-to-make Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 can water chestnuts diced
- 1 pound chicken minced or ground - buy freshly ground whit
- 1 cucumber, peeled seeds scooped out very thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots shredded using largest holes of grater
- 2 tablespoons white cider or rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vegetable or peanut oil
- 1/2 cup stir fry sauce - i use house of tsang spicy szechu
- 6 scallions, thinly sliced
- one head of butter or romaine lettuce separated into large single leaves, rinsed and dried on paper towels
- Carbohydrate 80.7912001468873 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 57.1399999800957 g
- Fiber 18.8400000434578 g
- Protein 26.9360000724296 g
- Saturated Fat 6.19052000260469 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1641g)
- Sodium 77.8400001738311 mg
- Sugar 61.9512001034295 g
- Trans Fat 2.50216000412523 g
- Calories 869 calories
Step-by-step
- Toss the chicken in a medium bowl with the soy sauce and set aside.
- Mix cucumbers and carrots in a small bowl and toss with vinegar and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to pickle.
- Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a wok or non-stick skillet on high heat until hot. Add the chicken but do not move it around much at first so it will develop a golden sear and brown.
- Stir fry 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the scallions, water chestnuts and stir fry sauce. Cook until juices have blended with the sauce and chicken is glazed, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spoon chicken into a serving bowl and serve with the lettuce leaves.
- Make 'tacos' using the lettuce, chicken and topping with the pickled vegetables.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless to-do lists, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become obsessed with quick, easy, and flavorful recipes – ones that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. And these Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a perfect example.
This recipe is a lifesaver. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever I have on hand, and honestly, tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. The vibrant flavors of the chicken, the satisfying crunch of the pickled vegetables, and the refreshing coolness of the lettuce cups all come together beautifully. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!
The magic lies in the simplicity. I usually buy pre-shredded carrots to save time, but grating them yourself adds a nice personal touch. The pickled cucumbers and carrots add such a nice brightness and texture. I often experiment with different vinegars; sometimes I use rice vinegar for a more subtle flavor, other times I opt for apple cider vinegar for a bit more tang. The possibilities are endless!
The chicken is the star of the show, of course. I like to use ground chicken for a quicker cook time and a more even distribution of flavor, but minced chicken works just as well. I usually season it minimally, letting the stir-fry sauce do most of the heavy lifting. Speaking of sauce, I’m a big fan of House of Tsang Spicy Szechuan stir-fry sauce, but any good quality stir-fry sauce will do. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, or even make your own from scratch if you're feeling ambitious.
Once the chicken is cooked, I simply toss it with the water chestnuts and scallions, letting everything blend together harmoniously. Then it's all about assembling the lettuce wraps! I love using butter lettuce for its large, sturdy leaves, but romaine or even iceberg lettuce works great too. Simply spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce cups, top with the pickled vegetables, and enjoy!
These lettuce wraps are more than just a quick weeknight dinner. They're a perfect party appetizer, a delightful lunch for work, or even a light and refreshing meal after a long day. They're elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a family meal. The best thing is, everyone loves them! From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, these lettuce wraps have something for everyone. So next time you're looking for a healthy, tasty, and time-efficient meal, give these Asian Bistro Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try. You won't be disappointed.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: The pickled vegetables and the chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the wraps even quicker.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or use a spicier stir-fry sauce.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, cilantro, or sriracha mayo.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about creating a moment of calm and connection in a busy life. The act of cooking, even a simple recipe like this, can be incredibly therapeutic. It's a chance to escape the daily grind, to focus on something positive, and to create something delicious to share with loved ones. This recipe has become a comforting ritual for me, a small act of self-care amidst the whirlwind of modern life. And that’s what makes it so much more than just a meal; it's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and savor the flavors of a well-earned deliciousness.
