Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Vietnamese culinary adventure that's about to transform your dinner routine! These Chicken and Noodle Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal, they're an explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia. Imagine crisp, fresh butter lettuce leaves cradling a savory mixture of ground chicken, tender rice noodles, and a symphony of herbs and spices – all ready in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary explorer, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. While the noodles are cooking, wash the butter lettuce leaves gently under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You will use these leaves as wraps.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper (if using) to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break up any large pieces as it cooks.
- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice noodles, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is well combined and the noodles are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.
- To serve, take a butter lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken and noodle mixture into the center of the leaf. Wrap the sides of the lettuce over the filling and enjoy it as a hand-held wrap.
- For an extra touch, you can prepare a simple Nuoc Cham dipping sauce by mixing equal parts of lime juice, sugar, and water, along with a splash of fish sauce and some minced garlic. Adjust to taste and serve alongside the wraps.
- Enjoy your Chicken and Noodle Lettuce Wraps with Nuoc Cham, sharing them with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp butter lettuce leaves for the best wrap texture. Look for leaves that are intact and have a bright green color.
- When cooking the ground chicken, ensure it's completely browned and no pink remains to guarantee food safety.
- For extra flavor, toast your garlic and chili pepper briefly before adding the chicken – this helps release their aromatic oils.
- If you want to make the dish spicier, keep the chili pepper seeds in. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
- The Nuoc Cham sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making meal prep even easier.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure it browns nicely and doesn't steam.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
