Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying? Dive into the world of Asian cuisine with these delightful Ground Chicken and Eggplant Lettuce Wraps! Bursting with savory goodness and a hint of sweetness from hoisin sauce, these wraps are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing your family and friends at your next gathering. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be serving up a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Get ready to wrap up some culinary magic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the eggplant into small, uniform cubes, mincing the garlic, and grating the fresh ginger.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's no longer pink and starts to brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the chicken, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to distribute the aromatics evenly.
- Add the diced eggplant to the skillet and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the eggplant becomes tender and slightly golden.
- Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stirring to coat the chicken and eggplant completely. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves, washing and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Spoon the chicken and eggplant mixture into the lettuce leaves, creating individual wraps.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately while the filling is still warm, allowing guests to assemble their own lettuce wraps at the table.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the eggplant, garlic, and ginger in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter lettuce is ideal for wraps due to its tender leaves and perfect cup shape. However, you can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce if you prefer a crunchier texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggplant: Keep an eye on the eggplant while cooking; it should be tender but not mushy. A slight golden color adds to its flavor and texture.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also swap ground chicken for turkey or beef based on your preference.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: For an extra flavor boost, consider serving these wraps with a side of soy sauce or a spicy chili sauce for dipping.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds! They add a pop of color and a delightful crunch that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
