Introduction
This delicious ground chicken or pork recipe combines aromatic herbs and spices, creating a burst of flavor that is perfect for serving in fresh lettuce wraps. Your dining experience will be both fun and interactive as you wrap the flavorful filling in crisp lettuce leaves, making for a delightful meal that’s perfect for entertaining or a family dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb (500 g) ground chicken or pork
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
2 Thai or bird’s eye chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemongrass stalk (white and pale green part only), finely chopped
1/2 red onion, cut into wedges and finely sliced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
2 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch) or 2 tablespoons uncooked rice (any type)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons peanut oil or other high smoke point cooking oil
6-8 small to medium lettuce leaves
3 tablespoons crushed peanuts (optional)
Extra lime wedges and chili slices for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Enjoy crafting these flavorful lettuce wraps, filled with a rich blend of herbs and spices, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Toasted Rice Powder (if using)
– If using uncooked rice, toast it in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown.
– Allow it to cool, then grind into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Cook the Aromatics
– Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, and finely chopped chilies.
– Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Ground Meat
– Add the ground chicken or pork to the skillet.
– Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce
– In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 1/2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 3 tablespoons of water until the sugar dissolves.
Combine and Simmer
– Pour the sauce over the cooked meat in the skillet.
– Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Fresh Herbs and Onion
– Remove the skillet from heat.
– Stir in the sliced red onion, 1/3 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/3 cup of fresh mint leaves.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
– Spoon the meat mixture into the lettuce leaves.
– Garnish with additional cilantro and mint leaves, crushed peanuts (if using), and extra lime wedges and chili slices on the side.
Serve
– Serve immediately, allowing diners to wrap the filling in lettuce leaves and enjoy.
Notes
Ingredient Adjustments
– Adjust the quantity of chilies to suit your spice preference.
Meat Alternatives
– Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef as desired.
Herb Variations
– Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil for different flavor profiles.
Presentation Tips
– Use colorful lettuce varieties for a more visually appealing dish.
Storage Advice
– Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook Techniques
Toasting Rice
Toasting rice before grinding enhances its nutty flavor. Use a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown. Let it cool before grinding into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Cooking Aromatics
Cooking aromatics like ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chilies in hot oil releases their essential oils and flavors. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your dish.
Cooking Ground Meat
When cooking ground chicken or pork, ensure it is broken up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently until the meat is no longer pink and is fully cooked through, ensuring even cooking and preventing clumping.
Preparing Sauce
To make the sauce, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and water in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, creating a balanced mixture that adds depth to the dish.
Simmering for Flavor
After adding the sauce to the cooked meat, let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This helps to meld the flavors together, allowing the meat to soak up the sauce and enhance the overall taste.
Adding Fresh Herbs
Incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro and mint at the end of cooking preserves their bright flavors and colors. Stir them in once the heat is off to maintain their freshness.
Assembling Lettuce Wraps
To assemble the wraps, spoon the flavorful meat mixture into lettuce leaves. This provides a fresh, crunchy vessel for the savory filling, making for a delicious and healthy presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground chicken or pork with other meats like turkey or beef, or even use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To control spiciness, adjust the number of chilies used, or remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping. You can also serve additional sliced chilies on the side for those who like it hotter.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
Yes, if you need a substitute, you can use soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative made from mushrooms or seaweed.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce are all great choices for wraps. They should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Conclusion
This chicken or pork lettuce wrap recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh herbs and aromatic flavors, making it a healthy and tasty option for any occasion. By wrapping the flavorful meat mixture in crisp lettuce leaves, you create a refreshing dish that is perfect for sharing. The added crunch of peanuts and the zing of lime elevate this meal, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Option
Substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh and add diced mushrooms for added texture. Follow the same seasoning and cooking process for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Spicy Shrimp Wraps
Replace ground chicken or pork with minced shrimp, and add extra chili for an additional kick. The bright flavors of lime and herbs will complement the shrimp beautifully.
Asian-inspired Lettuce Cups
Incorporate water chestnuts and chopped bell peppers into the meat mixture for added crunch. Swap fish sauce with soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Coconut-Lime Chicken Wraps
Stir in some coconut milk into the ground chicken mixture before simmering for a rich and creamy texture. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Crunchy Veggie Wraps
Use finely chopped carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers as the filling with a light soy dressing. This provides a fresh and colorful crunch that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
