Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make! These Cashew and Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect blend of savory ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and fragrant basil, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. In just 25 minutes, you can create a delightful Asian-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your culinary skills while impressing your family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping: mince garlic and ginger, slice green onions, chop cashews and basil leaves, and separate butter lettuce leaves.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Pour soy sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and fold in chopped cashews, allowing them to warm and slightly toast in the mixture.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil, mixing thoroughly to distribute herbs throughout the chicken.
- Carefully spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while mixture is warm.
- Optional: Provide extra soy sauce or a dipping sauce on the side for additional flavor.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This will make the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality soy sauce can make a significant difference in flavor. Don’t skimp on these ingredients for the best taste!
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the chicken mixture while it cooks.
- Customize Your Wraps: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh. Assemble them right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the filling warm.
- Dipping Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, serve with a side of hoisin sauce or a homemade peanut sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
