Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the mouthwatering flavors of Beef San Choy Bow! This delightful Chinese dish combines savory ground beef with the crunch of water chestnuts, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and interactive dining experience. Perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal, these lettuce wraps are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Curious to learn how to make this irresistible dish? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and carefully separate the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain whole and intact. Rinse and pat dry, then set aside on a serving platter.
- Finely dice the water chestnuts into small, uniform pieces to provide a crisp texture to the filling.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef to ensure a clean, concentrated flavor.
- Add the diced water chestnuts to the beef and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat and chestnuts evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for easier handling.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared lettuce leaves, filling each leaf generously.
- Finely chop green onions and sprinkle them over the filled lettuce wraps as a fresh garnish.
- Serve immediately while the beef is still warm, allowing guests to pick up and enjoy the lettuce wraps.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lettuce: For the best wraps, use iceberg or butter lettuce. These varieties have sturdy leaves that hold up well and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the water chestnuts and ground beef mixture in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the wraps right before serving.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the beef mixture, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier kick, adjust the amounts of hoisin and soy sauce to suit your taste. A splash of chili sauce can also add a nice heat.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor by serving your Beef San Choy Bow with a side of extra soy sauce or a homemade dipping sauce for added zing.
- Garnish Creatively: Besides green onions, consider adding chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
