Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Thai street food paradise with these mouthwatering lettuce cups that are about to revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned ground chicken nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves, bursting with a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand. This recipe is not just a meal—it's a quick, healthy, and absolutely irresistible culinary experience that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping green onions, separating butter lettuce leaves, and measuring out sauces and seasonings.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and break it down into small crumbles using a wooden spatula or cooking spoon.
- Cook the ground chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Once chicken is mostly cooked and no longer pink, add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to the pan.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients and allow the sauces to caramelize slightly with the chicken.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Allow the chicken mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning the delicate lettuce leaves.
- Carefully spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately as a light, refreshing appetizer or main course, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh ground chicken with a bit of fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- High Heat is Key: Cook the chicken on medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy meat.
- Don't Overcook: Stir continuously and watch carefully to keep the chicken moist and prevent burning.
- Lettuce Leaf Selection: Gently separate butter lettuce leaves to keep them whole and intact for the best presentation.
- Customize Your Spice: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and reheat just before serving for easy entertaining.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro or additional chopped green onions can elevate the visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
