Lemongrass Chicken Lettuce Cups
Bright, savory chicken lettuce cups with a punchy lime fish sauce drizzle.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 12 · Total: 27 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (214 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
I wanted the bright, herb-heavy vibe of Vietnamese-style lettuce wraps, but with weeknight-friendly shortcuts.
Story
Some nights I want something that feels fresh, not heavy, and also does not take every pan I own. These lettuce cups are my answer, a hot skillet of savory chicken and a cold pile of crunchy leaves. I set everything on the table and let everyone build their own, it is fun and it keeps the herbs lively. If you have rice in the fridge, it is a perfect side.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb ground chicken
- 2 tsp lemongrass paste (or 1 stalk minced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and mint
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine hearts, leaves separated
- Sauce: juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy), 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
Instructions
- Stir the sauce together in a small bowl (lime, fish sauce, chili sauce) and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high, add oil, then add chicken and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink.
- Add lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar, cook 1 to 2 minutes so it turns glossy and clings to the chicken.
- Off heat, fold in carrots, scallions, and herbs so they stay crisp.
- Spoon into lettuce leaves, drizzle with sauce, and serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews right before serving.
- If you cannot find lemongrass, use a little lime zest plus extra ginger.
- Warm the lettuce leaves in the fridge, cold leaves keep the filling from steaming soggy.
- Make it a bowl, serve over rice if you are out of lettuce.
Cook's Notes
- Taste the filling before serving, then decide if you want more lime, more salt, or more heat.
- Keep the herbs for the end, they stay brighter and more fragrant.
- For meal prep, store filling and lettuce separately, then assemble right before eating.