Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a recipe for these delightful little packages; I was hosting friends for dinner and wanted to impress them with something fresh and fun. The moment I took that first bite, I was blown away by the burst of flavors. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and crisp lettuce leaves wrapped around a savory filling is nothing short of magical. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, these wraps never fail to spark joy and laughter at the table.

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to making Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, the blend of ingredients is crucial for achieving that vibrant burst of flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish. The star is undoubtedly the ground chicken, which becomes succulent and flavorful when cooked with the aromatic spices and sauces. The fresh lettuce not only serves as a vessel but also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory filling beautifully.

• 1 pound ground chicken: The main protein that gives these wraps their heartiness and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for cooking the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste: Adds a spicy kick and authentic Thai flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced): Provides a zesty warmth that enhances the overall taste.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced thinly): Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• 4 green onions (chopped): Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• 1 cup cabbage (shredded or coleslaw mix): Adds crunch and a nice texture contrast.
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory, it pulls all the flavors together.
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle heat.
• 5 leaves basil (chopped): Provides a fragrant finish and depth of flavor.
• ½ head iceberg lettuce (cut into half): Serves as the perfect crunchy wrap.

Recipe Steps for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Cooking Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a delightful experience that brings your kitchen to life. The process is simple, and it only takes a few steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps and get cooking!

1. Start by adding olive oil to a large skillet and heat it until it’s very hot. This step is crucial because you want the oil to be sizzling when you add the ground chicken. The high heat will help to brown the meat nicely, giving it that delicious flavor. You should see the oil shimmer.

2. Once the oil is ready, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown. This usually takes about 3 minutes. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. You want it to be evenly browned for the best texture.

3. Next, it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and the sliced red bell pepper. Cook this mixture for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the fragrant spices filling your kitchen—this is when you know it’s coming together!

4. After the vegetables have softened slightly, add the cabbage or coleslaw mix to the skillet. This ingredient adds a lovely crunch to your filling. Stir-fry everything for a few minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains some of its crispness.

5. Now, pour in the hoisin sauce and sprinkle in the green onions. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the freshly chopped basil, giving everything a final mix to incorporate that fragrant herb.

6. Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a bowl. Now’s the time to prepare your lettuce! Take the iceberg lettuce and cut it into half, creating little cups. Each leaf will serve as your wrap, so make sure they’re intact and sturdy.

7. To serve, take spoonfuls of the cooked chicken mixture and place them into the lettuce leaves. Fold the lettuce over like small tacos, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a fun and interactive way to eat!

Things Worth Knowing

Recipe Variations about Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, the sky’s the limit for variations! You can make this recipe fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic tips to switch things up.

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable overload: Add even more veggies like shredded carrots or snap peas to increase the crunch factor.
• Heat level: Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spiciness to suit your palate.
• Wrap it up: Use different leafy greens such as butter lettuce or romaine for a change in texture.
• Make it saucy: Drizzle additional hoisin or spicy peanut sauce on top before serving for extra flavor.
• Serving style: Serve with a side of jasmine rice for a heartier meal option.
• Meal prep: Cook the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge to eat throughout the week.

Accompaniments for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serving Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps is as much about the experience as it is about the food! Here’s how to elevate your dining experience:

• Side Dishes: Pair these wraps with a light Asian slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the flavors.
• Occasions: Perfect for casual lunch gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a fun appetizer for game day.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the filling and lettuce separately to keep the wraps crisp.
• Seasonal Pairings: These wraps are great in summer; consider serving them with fresh summer fruits like mango or pineapple on the side.
• Interactive Meal: Let guests assemble their own wraps for a fun and engaging dining experience.
• Garnishes: Top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and a fun way to enjoy a meal. They’re perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized to suit your taste. I encourage you to try making these wraps at home; they might just become your new favorite dish!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

The ultimate comfort food, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and great for any occasion. These easy-to-make, fresh wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Try them tonight for a burst of deliciousness!

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Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon ginger minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced thinly
• 4 green onions chopped
• 1 cup cabbage shredded or coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
• 5 leaves basil chopped
• ½ head iceberg lettuce cut into half

Equipment

• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Method

 

1. Start by adding olive oil to a large skillet and heat it until it’s very hot. This step is crucial because you want the oil to be sizzling when you add the ground chicken. The high heat will help to brown the meat nicely, giving it that delicious flavor. You should see the oil shimmer.
2. Once the oil is ready, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it until it's no longer pink and starts to brown. This usually takes about 3 minutes. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. You want it to be evenly browned for the best texture.
3. Next, it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and the sliced red bell pepper. Cook this mixture for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the fragrant spices filling your kitchen—this is when you know it’s coming together!
4. After the vegetables have softened slightly, add the cabbage or coleslaw mix to the skillet. This ingredient adds a lovely crunch to your filling. Stir-fry everything for a few minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains some of its crispness.
5. Now, pour in the hoisin sauce and sprinkle in the green onions. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the freshly chopped basil, giving everything a final mix to incorporate that fragrant herb.
6. Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a bowl. Now's the time to prepare your lettuce! Take the iceberg lettuce and cut it into half, creating little cups. Each leaf will serve as your wrap, so make sure they’re intact and sturdy.
7. To serve, take spoonfuls of the cooked chicken mixture and place them into the lettuce leaves. Fold the lettuce over like small tacos, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a fun and interactive way to eat!

Notes

• Tip 1: While you’re not going to want to assemble your wraps ahead of time, you can certainly get your chicken and sauce prepared beforehand.
• Tip 2: If planning to use within the next day or two, once cooked the chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
• Tip 3: Putting it in the freezer will extend its shelf life up to 3 months.
• Tip 4: Whenever you’re ready for them, all you need is the lettuce!

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.