Save These Skinny Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant and healthy dish that brings the bold flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. Combining lean ground chicken with crisp vegetables and a savory hoisin glaze, they serve as a light yet satisfying main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Save The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast of textures. The warm, flavorful chicken filling paired with cold, crunchy butter lettuce creates a refreshing bite every time, perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn't sacrifice taste.
Ingredients
- Chicken Filling: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup (45 g) chopped water chestnuts, 2 green onions (thinly sliced).
- Sauce: 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat).
- Assembly: 1 head butter or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated, washed, and dried), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2
- Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 3
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
- Step 5
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
- Step 7
- Spoon the chicken filling into the lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately and enjoy with extra hoisin sauce on the side if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, make sure the lettuce leaves are completely dry before assembly. Using a large skillet will help brown the chicken evenly without steaming it, maintaining a better consistency for the filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is incredibly flexible; you can easily substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or crumbled tofu. For those needing a gluten-free meal, simply swap the standard hoisin sauce for a gluten-free version and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these wraps immediately while the filling is hot. For a complete dining experience, pair them with a crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also offer extra hoisin or sriracha on the side for those who enjoy more sauce or spice.
Save At just 240 calories per serving with 22g of protein, these lettuce wraps are a nutritious way to enjoy authentic Asian-inspired flavors at home. Enjoy this easy, high-protein meal anytime you need a healthy boost.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce (Bibb) is ideal because its cup-shaped leaves hold fillings beautifully and offer a tender, mild flavor. Iceberg or romaine also work—choose sturdy leaves that won't tear easily when folded.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving. Keep lettuce leaves separate and wash just before assembling to maintain crispness.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free hoisin sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Most brands now offer GF hoisin options, or you can make your own by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices.
- → What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
Mix equal parts peanut butter and soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of five-spice powder. For a shortcut, store-bweet bean sauce or oyster sauce also work well as substitutes.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Portion the cooked chicken mixture into containers and store with washed, dried lettuce leaves in separate bags. The filling reheats perfectly in the microwave, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
- → Can I use different protein?
Ground turkey, pork, or crumbled tofu all work beautifully here. Adjust cooking time slightly—turkey cooks similarly to chicken, while tofu only needs 3-4 minutes to brown and absorb flavors.