Pork or Chicken Vegetable Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

"I really enjoy lettuce wraps; but, I never really found a recipe I really enjoyed; so this is my take on them. I really tried to add some texture and flavors with other vegetables; and this is the result. What I like best, is that there is NO heavy sauce - it is a much lighter sauce which was one of the things I tried to create with this recipe. I also prefer to use a ground meat for this; however, I really prefer a coarse grind. I often grind it myself; or just ask the butcher, for a coarse grind. It just adds a nice texture to the recipe; and usually the butcher is more than happy to do that."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Prep ... This is a very quick cooking dish, so make sure everything is prepared and measured out ahead of time.

Step 2

Peanuts ... Add to a dry wok (if you have one) or, use a large saute pan and cook 2-3 minutes on medium heat,. Once they are lightly brown remove to a paper towel to coolk. Then chop and set to the side.

Step 3

Stir Fry ... The wok is really what works best ... but if you don't, as I said - don't worry. A deep saute pan can be used. Bring to medium high heat - stir fry is done in a HOT pan. Add the oil and then the ground meat and red pepper flakes. Make sure to lightly break it up and continue to stir. Once the meat gets a little color and mostly cooked through, which only takes a couple of minutes; push it over to the side of the pan. It will continue to cook a bit on the side of the pan, and finish cooking another couple of minutes with the vegetables.

Step 4

Next, add in the mushrooms, shallots, garlic, scallions, chile, and cook another 2 minutes; making sure to stir often. You don't want the garlic to burn. If the pan seems dry, you can add a bit more oil.

Step 5

The Egg ... Move the vegetables over with the pork, and add the egg. Break it up and cook until almost cooked through, a little runny yolk is a good thing, but make sure the whites are set. With a hot pan, this only takes a minute.

Step 6

Vegetables ... Then add in the carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage, water chestnuts, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar (optional), and lime juice; bring in the pork and other vegetables from the side of the pan and mix to combine everything. Cook another 2 minutes until everything is combined, heated and cooked through.

Step 7

Serve ... Almost Done! Finish with the basil and peanuts. Now, if you can't find Thai basil, use a basic basil. The Thai basil just has a nice flavor. Family style. A plate or bowl of the lettuce leaves and the chopped peanuts; and a bowl of the stir fry. ENJOY! It is so light, healthy and quick to prepare.