Description
A quick and addictive meal featuring ground chicken, water chestnuts, and a savory sauce, served in crisp lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Heat the pan: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken in an even layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to form a golden crust, then break it up and continue cooking until mostly cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add aromatics: Push chicken to one side, add diced onion to the empty space, and cook 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
- Add crunch and scallions: Fold in the diced water chestnuts and half of the sliced green onions, heating through.
- Finish with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the filling. Stir constantly until it thickens and glazes the meat, about 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Transfer filling to a bowl, garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Arrange lettuce leaves on the side with lime wedges.
Notes
Use tamari for a gluten-free option and mushroom sauce as a vegetarian alternative. Prepare the filling in advance for quicker assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian