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Introduction
Asian lettuce wraps have become a beloved dish across the globe, with their origins tracing back to ancient Chinese cuisine. Initially created as a practical way to enjoy robust fillings without the need for utensils, these handheld delights have evolved into a culinary sensation. In many Asian cultures, sharing meals from a communal plate is a cherished tradition, fostering connection and camaraderie. Lettuce wraps embody this spirit, encouraging diners to create their own personalized bites while enjoying the company of loved ones. With their vibrant colors, textures, and flavors, these wraps are a true celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
• 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 12-16 large lettuce leaves (such as Boston or iceberg), rinsed and patted dry
• Sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots for serving (optional)
Step 1:
In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey or chicken over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet or wok, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced green onions, water chestnuts, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 4:
Return the cooked turkey or chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir everything together until well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5:
To serve, place a few spoonfuls of the turkey or chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots, if desired. Wrap the lettuce leaves around the filling and enjoy!
Q: Can I use ground beef or pork instead of turkey or chicken?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey or chicken with ground beef or pork. However, keep in mind that the nutritional information and overall flavor will be different.
Q: Can these lettuce wraps be made ahead of time?
A: The filling can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. However, it's best to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to prevent the lettuce leaves from becoming soggy.
Q: What other vegetables can be added to the filling?
A: You can experiment with adding other finely chopped or shredded vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Just be sure not to overcrowd the filling with too many veggies.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey or chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute.
• Feel free to use any crisp lettuce variety for the wraps, such as butter, romaine, or leaf lettuce.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
• The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
• For a nut-free version, omit the sesame oil and replace with vegetable or avocado oil.
Serve the lettuce wraps immediately while the filling is hot. Provide extra lettuce leaves, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots on the side for guests to assemble their own wraps.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté the filling in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook for an efficient cooking process. The filling can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should retain a slight crunch for texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- For a more authentic flavor, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to the filling.
For a plant-based version, substitute the ground turkey or chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or a plant-based meat substitute. For a heartier meal, serve the filling over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
These fresh and flavorful lettuce wraps pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They can also be enjoyed with a light Asian-style beer or a refreshing iced green tea.
This recipe can be enjoyed year-round, but the freshest and most flavorful ingredients are typically available during the spring and summer months.
This recipe contains soy (soy sauce). It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The recipe can also be made nut-free by omitting the sesame oil.
