Chinese lettuce wraps are a popular and flavorful dish that combines savory minced beef with a variety of aromatic seasonings and crisp lettuce leaves. These wraps are not only delicious but also provide a fun and interactive dining experience. The contrast between the tender meat mixture and the refreshing lettuce adds a delightful texture and taste. With a blend of Asian flavors from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic, these wraps are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, Chinese lettuce wraps are a crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
INGREDIENTS:
- 450g/1lb minced beef
- 12-16 iceberg lettuce leaves
- 225g/8oz canned water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 200g/7oz onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 50ml/2fl oz hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh root ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped
- 3 teaspoons dark sesame oil
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large frying pan, sauté the minced beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add the minced garlic, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced fresh root ginger, rice wine vinegar, and chili sauce to the pan. Continue stirring and cooking until the beef is fully browned and coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped water chestnuts, chopped spring onions, and dark sesame oil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- To serve, arrange the iceberg lettuce leaves around the outer rim of a large serving plate.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the center of the plate.
- To eat, take a lettuce leaf, spoon some of the meat mixture onto it, and wrap the leaf around the filling.
- Enjoy the Chinese lettuce wraps by hand, savoring the combination of flavors and textures.
YIELD:
This recipe serves 4 people.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make sure to drain the water chestnuts before chopping and adding them to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Feel free to customize the toppings by adding additional ingredients such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, or sesame seeds.
TIPS:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the minced beef with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
- Serve the Chinese lettuce wraps with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Chinese lettuce wraps are a delicious and interactive dish that brings together the flavors of savory minced beef and aromatic seasonings in a refreshing lettuce wrap. The combination of tender meat, crisp lettuce, and a blend of Asian flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Preparing Chinese lettuce wraps is straightforward. The minced beef and onion are sautéed until browned and then coated with a savory sauce made from minced garlic, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, root ginger, rice wine vinegar, and chili sauce. Chopped water chestnuts, spring onions, and dark sesame oil add additional texture and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
To serve, arrange crisp iceberg lettuce leaves around the outer rim of a serving plate. Spoon the flavorful meat mixture into the center of the plate. Guests can assemble their own wraps by taking a lettuce leaf, spooning some of the meat mixture onto it, and wrapping the leaf around the filling.
Chinese lettuce wraps are not only delicious but also provide a fun and interactive dining experience. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal, and they are sure to impress your family and friends.
In conclusion, indulge in the savory flavors and textures of Chinese lettuce wraps. This dish offers a perfect combination of tender meat, aromatic seasonings, and crisp lettuce, making it a delightful option for any occasion.
