Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Introduction

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Combining savory ground chicken with bright herbs and a tangy chili sauce, these wraps offer a delicious crunch with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
• 10 oz ground chicken
• ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 Tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey or agave
• ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
• ¼ cup scallions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ to ½ cup shredded carrots
• Sesame seeds for topping
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed, and dried

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Once hot, add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown and become translucent.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring together with the onions. Cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the Tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup (or honey/agave) to create the sauce.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle chopped cashews over the cooked chicken, then pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Toss gently to combine, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Stir in shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro.
7. Step 7: To assemble the wraps, place a large spoonful of the chicken mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle with some of the pan sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use grape or Boston lettuce if butter lettuce is not available for a similar crisp texture.
• Add chopped water chestnuts or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Substitute ground turkey or tofu for chicken to suit dietary preferences.
• Adjust the amount of chili sauce based on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a pan or microwave before serving. Assemble the wraps fresh to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of Thai sweet red chili sauce used. This sauce is generally mild with a hint of sweetness. You can add more chili sauce or fresh chili peppers if you prefer more heat.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine savory ground chicken cooked with fresh garlic, ginger, and onions, tossed in a flavorful Thai sweet chili sauce with tamari, lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup. Topped with crunchy cashews, fresh scallions, cilantro, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds, all served in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light, fresh, and delicious appetizer or light meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Mixture

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup onion, diced (yellow or white onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
• 10 oz ground chicken
• ¼ cup Tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 Tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce (e.g., Trader Joe’s)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey or agave
• ⅓ cup cashews, chopped (raw or roasted/salted)
• ¼ cup scallions, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, fresh chopped
• ⅓ to ½ cup shredded carrots

For Serving

• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves removed, rinsed and dried
• Sesame seeds, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the diced onions. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to brown and turn translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the onions. Stir together and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the aromatic flavors to develop.
3. Cook the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as you toss it in the pan sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together tamari (or soy sauce), Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Combine Sauce and Cashews with Chicken: Sprinkle chopped cashews over the chicken in the pan, then pour the prepared sauce over it. Toss everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Stir in Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Remove the pan from heat. Let it cool slightly, then stir in shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro, mixing gently to combine.
7. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Open a butter lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Drizzle some pan sauce on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat until all wraps are filled and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use butter lettuce for soft, pliable leaves that are perfect for wraps.
• Adjust the amount of Thai sweet red chili sauce to suit your desired spice level.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure your tamari or soy sauce is gluten-free.
• You can swap ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
• To save time, prepare the sauce mixture in advance.
• Make sure to dry lettuce leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess.

Keywords: Thai chicken lettuce wraps, healthy Thai recipe, ground chicken recipe, low carb wraps, gluten free appetizer