Save Experience the perfect blend of savory and fresh with these Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This dish features lean ground chicken sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, combined with the satisfying crunch of water chestnuts, carrots, and red bell peppers, all glazed in a rich hoisin sauce.
Save The combination of warm, saucy chicken and cool, crisp Bibb lettuce makes every bite a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. It is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- Chicken Filling: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts, 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- Sauce: 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Assembly: 1 head butter or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated, washed, and dried), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2
- Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 3
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
- Step 5
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
- Step 7
- Spoon the chicken filling into the lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately and enjoy with extra hoisin sauce on the side if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra layer of texture, consider topping your wraps with chopped peanuts or cashews. Also, ensure you use a gluten-free hoisin sauce if you are avoiding gluten, as traditional versions often contain wheat.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable; you can easily substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian alternative. The flavor profile remains delicious regardless of the protein chosen.
Serviervorschläge
To elevate the meal, pair these lettuce wraps with a crisp, aromatic white wine such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine beautifully cuts through the richness of the hoisin sauce.
Save With 22 grams of protein and only 240 calories per serving, these Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic addition to your healthy recipe rotation. Enjoy a meal that is light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe FAQ
- → What lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and Bibb lettuce are ideal choices because their leaves form natural cups, are tender yet sturdy enough to hold filling, and have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the seasoned chicken.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, but assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
- → What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons peanut butter with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and a pinch of five-spice powder. Alternatively, try oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce for similar depth and sweetness.
- → How do I prevent watery filling?
Ensure the pan is hot when adding vegetables and cook them briefly to maintain texture without releasing excess moisture. Drain any accumulated liquid before adding the sauce.
- → Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
The cooked chicken filling freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. Lettuce cups should always be prepared fresh.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Ground turkey offers similar lean results. For plant-based options, use crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitutes, adjusting cooking time as needed.