Robust flavors in a cool lettuce wrap, dipped in a sauce that brings it all together -- that's what this no-guilt chicken lettuce wrap is all about. One of the many ingredients in the wrap is the smoky
Fresno chili pepper, popular for its versatility and medium heat.
English chef Steven Dolby studied cooking in Europe before moving to the United States to "explore the cuisine of the Americas." Now living in Atlanta, Dolby presents his chicken lettuce wrap, which he describes as: "Absolutely gorgeous, simple to do [with] strong bold flavors [and] fresh."
Dolby encourages his viewers to "give it a go" in the video below as he demonstrates just how easy it is to put together this versatile dish.
Healthy chicken lettuce wrapsPreparation Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 2-3
IngredientsWraps10.5 ounces (300 grams) chicken breast, cubed
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
8 ounces (230 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
0.35 ounces (10 grams) ginger, peeled and finely diced
1/2 Fresno chili pepper, finely sliced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, finely diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Small handful fresh cilantro or coriander, roughly chopped
4 green onions, sliced
Lettuce -- iceberg or butter
Olive oil
Dipping Sauce1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
0.35 ounces (10 grams) ginger, peeled and finely diced
1/2 Fresno chili pepper (or to taste), finely sliced
2 green onions, finely sliced
Small handful fresh cilantro or coriander, roughly chopped
Pinch white sesame seeds
Garnish: lemon wedges and white sesame seeds
Directions1) Drizzle olive oil in frying pan and brown chicken cubes over medium-high heat. Add oyster sauce; stir well to thoroughly glaze the chicken, then remove from heat and set aside.
2) Add a little olive oil to pan if needed, then cook tomatoes, bell pepper, ginger, chili pepper and brown sugar until tomatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. Stir or toss to mix thoroughly.
3) Add soy sauce and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add chicken and stir. Add lemon juice, coriander, and green onions; stir to mix thoroughly, then remove from heat.
4) Prepare dipping sauce in small serving bowl. Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add ginger, chili pepper, green onions, coriander and white sesame seeds.
5) Assemble wrap by carefully spooning chicken mixture onto a broad lettuce leaf. Serve open-faced and garnished with sesame seeds and lemon wedges, with dipping sauce on the side.
Vary this recipe by trying different proteins: turkey, beef, pork or firm tofu are all suitable substitutes for the chicken. Cooking the protein mixture in sesame oil instead of olive oil or adding water chestnuts or peanuts will create a different flavor. Or, vary the sauce by using teriyaki or peanut sauce. Simplify the dip by using pre-made sriracha or hoisin sauce. Have fun experimenting with this simple recipe!
