Savory Ginger Chicken Lettuce Cups
Glossy, sweet-salty ginger chicken spooned into crisp lettuce cups — a weeknight-friendly take on classic American-Chinese lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil avocado or vegetable
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1/2 cup canned water chestnuts finely chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Savory Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sambal optional
For Serving
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg leaves separated
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Extra sliced green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until browned and just cooked through.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add water chestnuts and green onions, stirring to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce if using.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer 3–5 minutes until thick, glossy, and well-coated.
- Spoon warm filling into lettuce leaves and finish with desired garnishes.
Notes
Inspired by classic American-Chinese lettuce wraps without referencing any specific restaurant. Ground turkey or pork can be substituted. For a toddler-friendly option, omit chili sauce and serve the filling over rice.