Go Back
To make savory Asian chicken lettuce cups, gather these fresh and vibrant ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 carrot, grated - 3 green onions, chopped - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat) - 1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce), leaves separated - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The ground chicken gives protein, while the sesame oil adds depth. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and spice. Fresh veggies like bell pepper and carrot add crunch and color. The sauces tie everything together with umami and sweetness. Lettuce provides a crisp cup to hold all the goodness. Finally, sesame seeds and cilantro add a fresh touch. 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. 2. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want the mix to smell great. 3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook until it's browned. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula. 4. Next, add 1 finely diced red bell pepper and 1 grated carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. 5. Stir in 3 chopped green onions, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha if you like heat. Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes. 1. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool a bit. 2. Take a head of butter or iceberg lettuce and separate the leaves. 3. Spoon the chicken mix into the center of each lettuce leaf. 4. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before you serve. - Ensuring chicken is browned properly: Use medium-high heat for the skillet. This helps the chicken brown well. Break the chicken into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking. - Flavor enhancement methods: Adding garlic and ginger at the start brings great flavor. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. A splash of soy sauce and hoisin sauce adds depth. Don't forget the rice vinegar for some zing! - Tips for prepping ingredients efficiently: Chop all veggies before you start cooking. This saves time and keeps things organized. Use a box grater for carrots to get them ready fast. Keep everything within reach while cooking for smooth prep. - Pairing with sauces or sides: Serve these cups with extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce on the side. You can also add sweet chili sauce for a nice touch. Some steamed rice or noodles make great sides, too. - Presentation ideas: Arrange the lettuce cups on a large platter. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro on top for color and texture. You can even add lime wedges for a fresh squeeze. This makes your dish pop! {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. If you prefer a meatless dish, try using tofu. It absorbs flavors and is a great protein source. Feel free to change the veggies too. Instead of red bell pepper, you could use diced zucchini or chopped mushrooms. For a bit of crunch, add water chestnuts or even shredded cabbage. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the savory taste without the gluten. You can also check for gluten-free hoisin sauce to maintain the flavors you love. To spice things up, add more heat. You can increase the sriracha or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. This gives your cups a nice kick. For more flavor, try different sauces. You can use teriyaki sauce or even a sweet chili sauce. Each option adds a unique twist to the dish. Mixing in some sesame oil can also enhance the richness. Experimenting with these variations lets you create a dish that suits your taste. Enjoy the process and find what you love best! To keep your leftover chicken mixture fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid adding the sauce before storing. This will help keep the chicken mixture from getting soggy. For the lettuce cups, it’s best to store them separately. Put the lettuce leaves in a sealed bag or container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay crisp for about one day. To reheat your chicken mixture, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it until it’s warm throughout. You can also microwave it, but cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps it moist and helps maintain flavor. When reheating, avoid cooking it too long. This can make the chicken dry. If you want to keep the texture, add a splash of water if needed. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check the hoisin sauce label too, as some brands contain gluten. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken mixture ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just fill the lettuce cups when you're ready to serve. How to customize the spice level? To adjust the spice, add more or less sriracha. You can also add chopped fresh chilies for extra heat. If you prefer less spice, skip the sriracha. Caloric breakdown per serving Each serving has about 300 calories. This includes protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the sesame oil. Ingredient health benefits - Ground chicken is a lean protein source. - Sesame oil adds healthy fats and flavor. - Garlic and ginger help boost your immune system. - Red bell pepper and carrot provide vitamins A and C. - Green onions add fiber and antioxidants. - Hoisin sauce gives a sweet taste while adding depth. Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients like ground chicken, veggies, and sauces. I shared clear steps for preparation and assembly, plus helpful tips for perfecting your cups. You can even mix things up with ingredient and flavor variations. Enjoy storing leftovers and reheating them easily. Remember, this recipe is flexible; customize it to suit your tastes. Dive into this dish to make mealtime more exciting!

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

Savor the flavor of these Crispy Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups that are perfect for a delightful meal or snack! Made with ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a tasty combination of soy and hoisin sauces, these lettuce wraps are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Click to explore the full recipe and whip up this delicious dish tonight! #AsianChickenLettuceCups #HealthyRecipes #QuickMeals #CookingIdeas
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground chicken

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 carrot, grated

3 green onions, chopped

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)

1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce), leaves separated

Sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

      Add the finely diced red bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

        Stir in the chopped green onions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Ensure everything is well combined and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

          Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

            To serve, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.

              Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4