Sesame chicken lettuce cups

Sesame chicken lettuce cups combine tender chicken with Asian-inspired flavours and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

01 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts
1 tbsp ginger root
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
2 red hot chili peppers
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1 cup mung beans
8 lettuce leaves
4 shallots

Sesame chicken lettuce cups are a delightful and healthy dish that's perfect for a light lunch or an elegant appetizer. This recipe combines tender chicken with a blend of Asian-inspired flavors and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. It's a quick and easy dish that's full of texture and taste.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely grate the ginger root.
- Finely chop the red hot chili peppers, remove the seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Julienne the cucumber.
- Shred or julienne the carrot.
- Thinly slice the shallots.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, grated ginger, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour this sauce into the pan with the cooked chicken.
- Add the chopped red hot chili peppers.
- Stir and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-coated and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a separate bowl, mix the julienned cucumber and carrot.
- Add the mung beans to the mix.
- Toss the vegetables to combine well.

5. Assemble the Lettuce Cups:
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
- Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
- Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
- Top with a small amount of the vegetable mixture.

6. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the sliced shallots over each lettuce cup.
- Optionally, you can add a few more sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

7. Enjoy your Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups!
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the vegetables are fresh and crisp.

Sesame chicken lettuce cups are not only delicious but also a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your taste. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a nutritious meal option, these lettuce cups are sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfying crunch with every bite.

Sesame chicken lettuce cups FAQ:

What is the cooking time for the chicken in this recipe?

The chicken breasts should be cooked in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While the chicken can be cooked and refrigerated a day in advance, it's best to keep the lettuce leaves and vegetable mixture separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What can I substitute for fish sauce in this recipe?

Soy sauce is a common substitute for fish sauce; you can also use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of lemon or lime juice for added tang.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer can help ensure proper doneness.

What type of lettuce works best for lettuce cups?

Crisp lettuce varieties like iceberg or butter lettuce are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well and provide the best crunch.

Tips:

- For a more aromatic flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to cook the chicken for even cooking and to prevent sticking.

- Adjust the amount of red hot chili peppers based on your desired spice level.

- To keep the lettuce leaves crisp, store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cups.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.

- Top the lettuce cups with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 120kcal
Protein 14g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 1.43g
Sugar 4.21g
Fat 3.55g

Sesame chicken lettuce cups