Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups
Savory, fragrant, and fresh—these lettuce cups are packed with juicy chicken, zesty lime, and aromatic Thai basil.
Total: 30 minPrep: 15 minCook: 15 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 8-10 lettuce leaves
Steps
- 1 Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2 Add the garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 3 Add the ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- 4 Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- 5 Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- 6 Remove from heat and stir in the Thai basil.
- 7 Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Variations
- Add shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Include diced water chestnuts for added crunch.
Substitutions
- Substitute Thai basil with regular basil if needed.
- Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Pairings
- Sticky rice
- A crisp Asian pear
Nutrition
Calories:
320 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
8g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
3g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for a squeeze of freshness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezing: Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in the lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
- Pair with a fresh cucumber salad.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe.