Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both healthy and easy on the wallet? Look no further than these irresistible Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional Thai cuisine without the hefty price tag or complicated cooking techniques. Imagine juicy, flavorful chicken bursting with the aromatic zest of ginger, garlic, and a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. These wraps are a fantastic weeknight dinner option, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. They're also incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference and add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
Forget takeout! This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, using readily available ingredients. Get ready to experience a taste explosion with each bite of these crunchy, refreshing lettuce cups packed with flavour. Ready to dive into the delicious step-by-step instructions? Let's get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1 pound
- Carrots: 1 cup (julienned or shredded)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Peanut butter (natural): 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar: 2 teaspoons
- Soy sauce (low sodium optional): 3 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Water: 2 teaspoons
- Sesame seeds
- Lettuce (green leaf, butter, or iceberg)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil.
- Add ground chicken (or turkey) and brown until almost cooked through.
- Add carrots (julienned or shredded), diced onion, and garlic. Cook until veggies soften.
Step 2. Create the Peanut Sauce
- Add brown sugar, peanut butter, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Add to the pan to thicken the sauce.
Step 3. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce cups.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Top with sesame seeds.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Using small, julienned carrots ensures even cooking.
- This recipe is budget-friendly due to the use of inexpensive ground chicken or turkey.
- The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time for meal prep.
- You can also serve the chicken mixture over rice.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the best crunch.
2. What can I substitute for the chicken?
Ground turkey, pork, or even tofu would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the protein you choose.
3. Can I change the vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or water chestnuts. Get creative and add your favorites!
These Easy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Their vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make them a healthy and budget-friendly alternative to takeout. Enjoy this simple yet impressive recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!