Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups

$For a tasty Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cup, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 2 tablespoons peanut butter - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1/2 cup shredded carrots - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Salt and pepper to taste These items create a blend of bold and fresh flavors. The ground chicken gives a rich base, while the peanut butter adds creaminess. You can change the recipe based on what you like. Consider these optional ingredients: - Chopped water chestnuts for crunch - Shredded cabbage for extra texture - Diced cucumbers for a cool taste - Other proteins like tofu or beef These additions can enhance flavor and add different textures. Garnishes make your dish pop. Here are some great options: - Crushed peanuts for a nutty crunch - Fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness - Extra sliced green onions for color Using these garnishes makes your Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups more appealing. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture they bring! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about one minute until they smell great. Next, add ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the chicken turns brown and is fully cooked, which takes 5 to 7 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Now, fold in diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook these for 1 to 2 minutes. You want them to soften a bit while still being crisp. This adds a nice crunch to your dish. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before serving. Take a leaf from the butter or romaine lettuce and lay it flat. Spoon a generous amount of your spicy peanut chicken mixture into the center of each leaf. The lettuce serves as a great wrap here. Finally, garnish each cup with sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your meal! To cook ground chicken well, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil first. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté those for one minute until they smell great. Next, add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it is browned, about five to seven minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you like it hot, add more sriracha. Start with one tablespoon, then taste. If it’s not spicy enough, you can add more. Not everyone likes heat, so adjust to your taste. You can also reduce sriracha for a milder flavor. Adding more peanut butter can balance the spice too. Use a large skillet for cooking. A spatula helps break apart the chicken easily. A good knife is key for chopping veggies, like bell pepper and carrots. Measure cups and spoons ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient. Lastly, have a cutting board ready for your prep work. These tools make the cooking process smooth and fun! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Start with a small amount of sriracha and gradually add more to suit your heat preference. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions enhance the flavor and freshness of the dish. Let the Mixture Cool: Allowing the chicken mixture to cool slightly before serving helps the flavors to settle and makes for easier handling. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like diced avocado, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of lime for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap soy sauce for tamari. This keeps the great taste but avoids gluten. If you want a vegan option, you can use ground tofu or tempeh. Make sure to use vegan peanut butter. This will give you a tasty, plant-based version. Want to change the flavor? You can add a pinch of cumin or coriander. These spices add warmth and depth. You might also try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. This will bring a fresh flavor to your cups. You can also mix in chopped herbs like mint or basil for a brighter taste. If you want a change from lettuce cups, try using rice paper wraps. They are fun and easy to eat. You can also serve the chicken mix over rice or quinoa in a bowl. Add more veggies on top for a colorful meal. This way, you can enjoy the flavors in different forms. To store leftovers, first let them cool. Place the spicy peanut chicken mixture in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For the lettuce cups, store the leaves separately. This keeps them crisp and fresh. When you are ready to eat, take the chicken mixture out. Heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until warm, about five minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a bowl for 1-2 minutes. Just cover it with a paper towel to avoid splatters. It’s best to eat the prepared cups within 24 hours. The lettuce will lose its crunch after that. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh. You can make the chicken mixture ahead but assemble the cups right before serving. Yes, you can use turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. Turkey gives a similar taste and texture. Tofu adds a nice plant-based twist. Just make sure to crumble the tofu for even cooking. I recommend butter lettuce or romaine. Butter lettuce is soft and holds well. Romaine has a nice crunch. Both types are sturdy enough for filling. Choose what you like best for your meal. You can prep the chicken mix in advance. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the mix. Assemble the cups just before eating for the best taste. Spicy peanut chicken lettuce cups are a fun and tasty meal. You learned about the key ingredients, how to cook the chicken, and how to put everything together. I shared tips for perfect cooking, customizing to your tastes, and storing leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this dish your way, with many options to explore. Remember, cooking can be simple and enjoyable. Dive in, get creative, and make these cups your own!$

Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups

A flavorful and spicy dish served in lettuce cups, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 unit red bell pepper, finely diced
0.5 cup shredded carrots
0.25 cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
to taste unit salt and pepper
to garnish unit crushed peanuts
to garnish unit fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Fold in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the spicy peanut chicken mixture into the center of each leaf.
Garnish with sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.

Keyword chicken, lettuce cups, peanut, spicy