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To make savory sesame chicken lettuce wraps, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 carrot, shredded - 1 cup water chestnuts, diced - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat) - 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish You can easily change some ingredients to fit dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Use ground turkey or tofu instead of ground chicken for a lighter dish. - For a gluten-free option, choose tamari instead of regular soy sauce. - If you want less heat, skip the sriracha or reduce the amount. - Swap out water chestnuts for diced cucumbers for a crunchy texture. - Use agave syrup instead of hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in this dish. Here are tips to choose the best: - Look for bright red bell peppers with smooth skin. They should feel firm. - Choose carrots that are crisp and free of soft or dark spots. - Pick lettuce heads that are heavy and have crisp, green leaves. - For garlic and ginger, select firm bulbs with no signs of sprouting. - When picking green onions, choose ones with bright green tops and no wilting. Now you’re ready to gather the perfect ingredients for your wraps! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Next, add ground chicken. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it's no longer pink, which takes about five to seven minutes. Once the chicken cooks, stir in diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and diced water chestnuts. Sauté for another three to four minutes until the veggies become tender. This step adds crunch and color. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if you want some heat. Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional two to three minutes. This sauce brings all the flavors together. While the chicken cooks, prepare your veggies. Dice the red bell pepper and shred the carrot. You can use a box grater for the carrot. Chop the water chestnuts finely for a nice crunch. Slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. The white part gives great flavor when cooked. The green part is perfect for garnishing. This prep work helps the dish come together quickly. Once your chicken mixture cools slightly, it’s time to assemble. Take a leaf of butter or iceberg lettuce. Spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Roll the lettuce around the filling. Tuck in the sides if you like. This creates a neat little package that’s fun to eat. Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a platter. Serve with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy these tasty wraps fresh for a light and satisfying meal! To get the best taste, use fresh garlic and ginger. They add great depth. I like to sauté these first in sesame oil. This step wakes up the flavors. Make sure you cook the chicken until it's no longer pink. This keeps it safe and tasty. Add diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and water chestnuts for crunch. These veggies give the dish more texture and color. Finally, mix the sauce well. It combines soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and sriracha for a rich flavor. One mistake is not cooking the garlic and ginger long enough. They need to be fragrant but not burnt. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. Once it turns white and crumbly, it’s done. Also, don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions on top. They add both taste and a nice look. Lastly, avoid using too much sauce. It can make the wraps soggy, which isn’t fun to eat. Serve the wraps on a nice platter. This makes them look inviting. Place extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on the side. You can add some chili sauce for those who like heat. For drinks, try serving iced tea or a light soda. It pairs well with the flavors. Enjoy these wraps fresh for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your wraps. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preference, or omit it for a milder version. Chill the Filling: Allow the chicken mixture to cool before serving; it makes the wraps easier to handle and more refreshing. Experiment with Greens: Try using different types of lettuce or even cabbage leaves for a unique twist on the wrap. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out ground chicken for plant-based proteins. Try using crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even lentils. These options provide great texture and flavor. Just sauté them the same way you would cook the chicken. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce to keep the dish flavorful. For more protein, mix in chopped mushrooms or diced eggplant. These ingredients will soak up the tasty sauce well. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste and is perfect for those avoiding gluten. Check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free, too, as some brands add wheat. Using fresh ingredients, like veggies and chicken, keeps the dish healthy and safe. Always read labels to ensure your sauces are gluten-free. You can customize the flavors to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes. For a sweeter touch, mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the sauce. You can also add pineapple chunks for a fruity twist. Don’t be shy to experiment with other spices, too, like five-spice powder or lemon zest. These can elevate your wraps and make them unique to your palate. After enjoying your sesame chicken lettuce wraps, store leftovers properly. First, let the chicken mixture cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep the lettuce leaves separate. This will help them stay crisp. Store the chicken mixture in the fridge for up to three days. If you mix them, the lettuce will become soggy. To reheat, take the chicken mixture out of the fridge. Place it in a pan over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. Make sure it’s heated all the way through. Avoid reheating the lettuce leaves. They taste best fresh. You can freeze the chicken mixture for later meals. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned earlier. Enjoy fresh lettuce with it when serving. Yes, you can use different proteins. Ground turkey, beef, or pork work well. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein gives a unique taste and texture, making the dish fun to explore. Just cook them the same way as the chicken. This keeps the recipe simple and delicious. To add heat, use more sriracha. You can also add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you want it really spicy, try a hot chili sauce. Mix the spice into the sauce for even heat. Adjust it to your taste. This way, you control the heat level and make it just right for you. Some great side dishes include jasmine rice or steamed vegetables. You can also serve a light soup, like hot and sour soup. A fresh salad with a zesty dressing pairs well. Fruit, like pineapple or mango, adds a sweet touch. These sides balance the wraps and make your meal complete and satisfying. This blog post covered all you need to make tasty lettuce wraps. We looked at key ingredients and fresh produce tips. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook and assemble the wraps. We discussed ways to enhance flavors and avoid mistakes. You can also try various dietary options and store leftovers easily. In the end, lettuce wraps are fun and versatile. Enjoy creating your own unique versions!

Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy chicken wraps served in lettuce leaves, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 unit carrot, shredded
  • 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
  • 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
  • 2 unit green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and water chestnuts. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  • To serve, spoon the chicken mixture onto individual lettuce leaves, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Roll up the lettuce around the filling, tucking the sides in if desired.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a platter and serve with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an inviting touch.
Keyword chicken, easy, healthy, lettuce wraps