Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

$Gather these simple ingredients for your teriyaki chicken lettuce cups: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 cup water chestnuts, diced - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves carefully separated - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Sriracha or chili sauce for added heat (optional) You can swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer: - Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for a leaner option. - Agave syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener. - Toasted sesame oil adds a deeper flavor if you prefer that taste. - Replace water chestnuts with diced bell peppers for a crunchier bite. These lettuce cups cater to diverse diets: - They are low in carbs, great for low-carb diets. - Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free meal. - This dish is high in protein, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts. - By skipping the honey or using a substitute, it can fit a vegan diet. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients for the teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. This sauce adds rich flavor to the chicken. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the chicken into smaller pieces. Make sure the chicken is browned and fully cooked. This is key for good texture. Once cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Stir well so the chicken is coated. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Mix in 1 cup of diced water chestnuts and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until everything combines. Then, remove the skillet from heat. Your chicken is now ready for the next step! Now it’s time to assemble your lettuce cups. Take a large lettuce leaf from a head of butter or iceberg lettuce. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of the leaf. For a finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor. If you like heat, drizzle some Sriracha or chili sauce on top. Serve these cups right away. Encourage your guests to fold them and enjoy as hand-held bites! Start with fresh ground chicken. Fresh meat holds moisture and flavor well. Use medium heat for cooking. This helps brown the chicken evenly. Break the chicken up as you cook it. This ensures all parts get cooked and browned. When you add the teriyaki sauce, let it simmer. This thickens the sauce and adds taste. Use a large platter to show off your lettuce cups. Arrange them in a circle for a fun look. Sprinkle extra green onions on top for color. Add a small bowl of Sriracha on the side for heat. This gives guests a choice to spice things up. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green. To boost flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving. This adds brightness to the dish. You can also mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots for crunch. If you love heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the chicken. For a nutty taste, sprinkle more sesame seeds on top. Each of these tweaks can make your meal even better! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your teriyaki sauce, making it more aromatic and vibrant. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha or chili sauce according to your taste preferences. Perfect Lettuce Selection: Choose larger outer leaves of butter or iceberg lettuce for a sturdy base that holds the filling well. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the teriyaki chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can switch out ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well. You can also use beef or pork for a richer flavor. For a lighter option, try shrimp. Just cook the shrimp until pink and tender. Each protein brings its own taste to the dish. If you want a meat-free meal, go for tofu or tempeh. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Crumble it like ground meat and cook it in the same way. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor. You can also use chickpeas, which add protein and fiber. To shake things up, try adding different spices or sauces. A touch of hoisin sauce gives a sweet twist. You can also mix in some chili paste for heat. If you want a tangy bite, add a splash of lime juice. Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist. Store your leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the flavor fresh. Place it in the fridge and enjoy it within three days. Make sure it is cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth for moisture. Stir the chicken often until it is hot. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between until warm. You can freeze the teriyaki chicken for up to three months. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the texture nice and tasty. To make teriyaki sauce, mix these simple ingredients: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Whisk these together in a bowl. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and savory taste. Store any extra sauce in the fridge for later use. Yes, you can use various lettuces! Butter lettuce is soft and easy to fold. Iceberg lettuce adds a nice crunch. Romaine is also great for sturdy cups. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference. Just ensure the leaves are big enough to hold the filling. These tasty lettuce cups pair well with several sides: - Steamed rice for a filling meal - Edamame for a healthy snack - A light cucumber salad for freshness - Miso soup for a warm touch These options complement the flavor of the teriyaki chicken and make your meal balanced and delicious. You learned about the key ingredients and their alternatives for teriyaki chicken lettuce cups. We covered step-by-step instructions to prepare the sauce, cook the chicken, and assemble your dish. I shared tips to ensure juicy chicken and beautiful presentation. Variations included protein substitutes and vegan options. Lastly, you found useful storage tips and answers to common questions. This dish is not just easy to make; it’s also fun to enjoy. Now, get cooking and impress your friends and family with this tasty meal!$

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

Delicious ground chicken stir-fried in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served in fresh lettuce leaves.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup water chestnuts, diced
2 green onions thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves carefully separated
fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Sriracha or chili sauce for added heat (optional)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk until well blended to form your homemade teriyaki sauce.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break the chicken into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring it's browned and fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Mix in the diced water chestnuts and half of the sliced green onions into the skillet, stirring until combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
To assemble your lettuce cups, take a lettuce leaf (preferably the larger outer leaves) and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of the leaf.
Finish each lettuce cup by sprinkling sesame seeds on top and adding fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of flavor. If desired, add a drizzle of Sriracha or chili sauce to enhance the heat and flavor.
Serve the lettuce cups immediately, encouraging your guests to fold and enjoy them as hand-held bites!

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce cups on a serving platter, garnished with extra green onion slices and a small bowl of Sriracha or chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, healthy, lettuce cups, teriyaki