Recipes Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps are a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a light and refreshing lunch. The wraps are filled with flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, and they are served in crisp lettuce cups.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 lettuce cups (such as Boston lettuce or butter lettuce)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Thai basil, cilantro, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• For a spicier wrap, add a chopped chili pepper to the skillet along with the vegetables.
• If you don’t have fresh Thai basil, you can substitute regular basil.
• You can also add other vegetables to the wraps, such as chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, or bean sprouts.
• Serve the lettuce wraps with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce.

Variations:

• Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
• Tofu Lettuce Wraps: Substitute crumbled tofu for the chicken.
• Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Spicy Lettuce Wraps: Add a chopped chili pepper to the skillet along with the vegetables.
• Sweet Lettuce Wraps: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.

Nutritional Information:

One lettuce wrap contains approximately:

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams

Health Benefits:

Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps are a healthy and nutritious meal. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The lettuce cups are a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

The herbs and spices in the lettuce wraps also provide a number of health benefits. Thai basil is a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from damage. Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function. Soy sauce is a good source of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production.

Overall, Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps are a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they are also low in calories and fat.