Description
Savory cashew chicken lettuce wraps deliver a delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors and crisp textures. Crunchy lettuce cups cradle spicy chicken, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for casual dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 green onions, chopped, divided
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- ¼ cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 2 tbsps (16 g) cornstarch
- 1 – 2 tsps Sriracha hot sauce, to taste
- 2 tsps (10 ml) sesame oil or substitute canola oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup (108 g) unsalted cashews
- 1 head green leafy lettuce (romaine, bibb, or butter)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Sauce Creation: Blend chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch into a uniform, silky mixture.
- Protein Searing: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then introduce chicken pieces. Cook until golden-brown, rotating once to guarantee complete cooking and develop robust flavor, approximately 4-6 minutes.
- Aromatics Integration: Quickly incorporate minced garlic for 25-30 seconds, releasing intense fragrance without scorching.
- Sauce Infusion: Reduce heat and pour prepared sauce over chicken, stirring continuously to create a glossy, thick coating that envelops each protein morsel.
- Flavor Enhancement: Add Sriracha hot sauce to desired intensity, gently mixing to distribute spiciness evenly.
- Final Touches: Fold roasted cashews and most green onions into the chicken mixture, then transfer the warm medley into crisp lettuce cups.
- Presentation: Garnish with remaining green onions, creating a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.
Notes
- Perfectly Season Chicken: Salt and pepper generously to create a flavorful base layer that enhances overall taste.
- Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Combine ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
- Manage Garlic Carefully: Stir quickly and watch closely to release aromatic oils without scorching, which can turn bitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg