Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe: A Burst of Flavours in Every Bite

Are you ready to meet your next favourite meal? Introducing the Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups! Perfect for those days when you crave something light but crammed full of flavour. This dish is more than just food—it's a culinary journey. Imagine the harmonious blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavours, all nestled within the crunch of a fresh lettuce leaf. The beauty of it? It's surprisingly simple to whip up. Let me take you on a journey of how this tantalizing dish is prepared that will make your palate do the happy dance.

BEFORE WE GET COOKING:

Let's appreciate the fresh and flavourful ingredients that make this dish a standout.

• Coconut Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds a subtle sweetness and is perfect for high-heat cooking.

• Chicken Mince: A lean protein source that makes this dish filling without being heavy.

• Shallots, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Red Chili, and Garlic: This aromatic quintet is the heart of Thai cuisine, offering a depth of flavour that's both complex and balanced.

• Fish Sauce: The umami-packed soul of Southeast Asian cooking, adding saltiness and a rich, savoury layer.

• Gem Lettuce: The perfect crunchy, sweet, fresh accompaniment for our Thai chicken, making each bite refreshingly crisp.

• Coriander: A fresh herb that adds a final pop of colour and flavour, brightening the entire dish.

THE DRESSING:

The dressing is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a bold, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction that ties the whole dish together. Fresh lime juice brings acidity, fish sauce adds depth, coconut sugar lends sweetness, and a dash of sriracha introduces a welcome heat. Whisk these together, and you've got a dressing that you'll want to put on everything.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT:

Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups are more than just a meal; they're a testament to the joy of eating foods that are as nourishing as they are delicious. They embody the essence of mindful eating - savouring each bite, appreciating the flavours, and nourishing your body with good-for-you ingredients.

Nutritional OVERVIEW

Each serving of Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups is a balanced combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and vital vitamins and minerals. The high protein from the chicken aids in satiety and muscle maintenance, while the low-calorie base of the lettuce leaves allows you to enjoy a fulfilling meal without overindulging in calories. The inclusion of aromatic herbs and spices not only elevates the flavour profile but also boosts the dish's antioxidant content, promoting overall health and well-being.

Dietary Notes

• Meal Prep Friendly (MP): Prepare in advance for a stress-free, healthy eating plan.

• Quick and Easy (Q): No slaving over a hot stove; it's ready in under 30 minutes!

• Low in Carbohydrates (LC): Only 17g per serve.

• High in Protein (HP): Coming in at 41g per serve this dish is sure to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

• Gluten Free & Diary Free (GF & DF): The perfect meal for anyone suffering from any gluten or dairy allergies or intolerances.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups

For the Salad

Serves: 4 Prep: 15 mins Cook: 10 Mins

1 tbsp. coconut oil

680g chicken mince

2 shallots, chopped

2 tbsp. lemongrass, thinly sliced

2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

1 red chilli, sliced

1 garlic clove, sliced

2 tsp. fish sauce 1

tsp. salt

12 gem lettuce leaves

4 tbsp. Coriander, for garnish

For the Dressing

⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lime juice

2 tbsp. fish sauce

2 tbsp. coconut sugar

1 tsp. sriracha sauce

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Preparation: Start by making the dressing. Mix lime juice, fish sauce, coconut sugar, and sriracha in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to let the flavours meld.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken mince, breaking it into smaller chunks. The key here is to let it get a little golden - those bits are flavour gold!

3. Aromatics: To the chicken, add shallots, lemongrass, lime leaves, chilli, and garlic. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked, then season with fish sauce and salt.

4. Assemble: Take gem lettuce leaves, which will serve as your cups. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf, then garnish with fresh coriander.

5. Dress & Serve: Just before serving, drizzle your homemade dressing over each cup. The dressing will seep into the chicken and add that burst of flavour with every bite.

MOVING FORWARD WITH MINDFULNESS.

Incorporating dishes like this into your diet is a step towards a more mindful, health-focused approach to eating. It shows that healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland-it can be an exciting exploration of flavours from around the globe.

As you enjoy these Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups, remember that eating well is about balance, variety and choosing foods that not only fuel your body but also delight your senses. It's about finding joy in the preparation and consumption of meals that are made with care and intention.

So here's to many more meals that bring a little bit of excitement to your table and wellness to your life.

Happy cooking!