Introduction
Discover the delightful combination of flavors in these delectable wraps featuring a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these wraps are packed with protein from ground chicken and are complemented by the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms and the crispiness of fresh vegetables. The homemade peanut sauce adds a zesty kick that brings everything together, creating a taste experience that is both satisfying and unique.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the peanut sauce:
– 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 teaspoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, or more to taste
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For the wraps:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 3.5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and diced
– 1 shallot, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– ¼ cup hoisin sauce
– 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 head butter lettuce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, reduced sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and freshly grated ginger until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding 2-3 tablespoons of water, mixing until you reach your desired thickness. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat the vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken, diced shiitake mushrooms, diced carrot, and diced shallot. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned, breaking it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.
Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute or until the mixture becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Incorporate Sauces
Stir in the hoisin sauce, additional chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce into the chicken mixture. Cook for about 30 seconds or until everything is heated through. Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro.
Assemble the Wraps
To serve, take a butter lettuce leaf and spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into the center. Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce over the filling, allowing it to enhance the flavors. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Adjusting Flavor
Feel free to customize the peanut sauce by adding more chili garlic sauce for extra heat or additional lime juice for added acidity according to your taste preference.
Substitutions
Ground turkey or beef can be used instead of ground chicken if desired. Additionally, other types of mushrooms or vegetables can be swapped based on personal preferences or availability.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps can be served as a light meal or appetizer. Pair with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Leftover chicken mixture can be stored in the refrigerator and used for meal prep.
Cook Techniques
Whisking
Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger in a small bowl. Use a whisk to achieve a smooth, well-blended sauce.
Sautéing
Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ingredients like ground chicken and vegetables, cooking them until they are browned and softened.
Draining
Once the chicken is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the dish from being greasy.
Cooking Aromatics
Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook briefly until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
Mixing Sauces
Incorporate hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and fish sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through.
Garnishing
Finish the dish by mixing in chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor before serving.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in your sauce.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey or ground pork can be good substitutes for ground chicken.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce?
You can adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your taste, adding more for extra heat.
What kind of lettuce works best for the wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal for wraps, but you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce for a crunchier texture.
Conclusion
Enjoy these delicious chicken lettuce wraps with a creamy and flavorful peanut sauce. This dish combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, these wraps are both healthy and satisfying.
Asian-Inspired Beef Lettuce Wraps
Replace ground chicken with ground beef and add diced water chestnuts for a crunchy texture. Use soy sauce and sesame oil for seasoning.
Veggie and Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu and include a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, seasoned with the same peanut sauce.
Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
Use cooked shrimp in place of ground chicken and add slices of avocado for a creamy twist. Drizzle with the peanut sauce before serving.
Quinoa and Black Bean Lettuce Wraps
For a vegetarian option, substitute cooked quinoa and black beans for the chicken. Toss in corn and diced red onion for added flavor.
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Use ground turkey and increase the chili garlic sauce for a spicier kick. Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat and garnish with green onions.
