If you're craving a burst of vibrant flavors and a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, look no further than these Thai Larb Chicken Lettuce Cups! This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 25 minutes, brings the essence of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. Picture this: savory ground chicken tossed with fresh herbs and zesty lime, all nestled in crisp lettuce cups that are perfect for a light meal or an exciting appetizer. Trust us, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Dive into our recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the ground chicken. Cook the chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a small bowl to create the seasoning mixture.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, drain any excess liquid and return the skillet to the heat.
- Pour the prepared seasoning mixture over the cooked chicken and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the chopped fresh mint, cilantro, and green onions, mixing thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves, washing and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Spoon the warm chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf, creating individual lettuce cups.
- Sprinkle chili flakes on top according to personal spice preference.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the herb mixture and seasoning sauce in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount of chili flakes and gradually add more to suit your taste. You can also serve extra chili flakes on the side for those who love a kick!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro are key to achieving that authentic Thai flavor. Don’t skimp on these ingredients as they elevate the dish significantly.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken mixture warm in the lettuce cups right after assembling. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the flavors vibrant.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your lettuce cups by adding shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or even chopped peanuts for an extra crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
