These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are packed with fresh flavors, including savory chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy Thai-inspired sauce. They’re the perfect healthy and flavorful meal for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer!🍽️
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling:
1 lb ground chicken (or chicken breast, finely chopped)
2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for crunch)
1 tbsp lime juice
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for garnish)
🍴Instructions:
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter (if using), sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked and browned.
Add Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, garlic, grated ginger, bell pepper, and carrots to the chicken. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften slightly but still retain their crunch.
Combine with Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and infuse the filling with flavor.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and use them as “wraps.”
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and peanuts if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Za’atar Roasted Eggplant & Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
• For the Za’atar Roasted Eggplant:
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta Salad:
• 1 cup chickpea pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Smoky Tahini-Yogurt Dressing:
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Garnish:
• Sumac, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Make the Za’atar Roasted Eggplant:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with za’atar seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the eggplant is golden and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Pasta Salad:
• Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced olives. Toss to combine.
3. Make the Smoky Tahini-Yogurt Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a splash of water if needed.
4. Assemble the Salad:
• Add the roasted za’atar eggplant to the pasta salad and gently toss.
• Drizzle the smoky tahini-yogurt dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve:
• Garnish with a sprinkle of sumac and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 450-550 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Za’atar Roasted Eggplant & Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad is packed with fresh, earthy flavors, protein, and a creamy, smoky dressing. It’s a perfect light yet filling dish, ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side for your next Mediterranean-inspired feast! 🌿✨
