Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a sublime blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. This recipe combines the aromatic Thai basil with the succulent chicken, crispy vegetables, and spicy chili sauce, all enveloped in refreshing lettuce leaves. This dish is not only delicious, but also healthy and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be commonly found in every kitchen. Thai basil, for example, is a variety of sweet basil native to Southeast Asia that's used in numerous Thai dishes. Its unique flavor profile is a combination of anise, licorice, and a hint of spice, differentiating it from other basil varieties. You might also need to look out for the chili garlic sauce, a popular Asian condiment that adds a flavorful kick to any dish. All these can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Canola oil: A neutral cooking oil that has a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing.
White onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when cooked.
Red pepper: Provides a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Carrots: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a nice crunch.
Ginger: Provides a spicy and slightly woody flavor.
Garlic cloves: Offers a pungent and spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
Shitake mushrooms: Known for their rich, savory taste.
Bean sprouts: Adds a refreshing and crunchy texture.
Chicken breasts: A lean, tender cut of meat.
Coconut milk: Gives a creamy, rich flavor and texture.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
Rice wine vinegar: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor.
Fish sauce: Adds a deep, savory, and salty flavor.
Chili garlic sauce: Provides a spicy kick and extra flavor.
Thai basil leaves: A unique flavor profile of anise, licorice, and a hint of spice.
Butter lettuce leaves: Used as a wrap, it is crisp and slightly sweet.
Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Lime: Gives a tangy freshness.
One reader, Kermy Sturdivant says:
I recently tried the Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps recipe, and it was a game-changer! The flavors were vibrant, and the combination of tender chicken and fresh veggies was delightful. The coconut sauce elevated the dish, and the crunch of the lettuce added a perfect balance. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
How to sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion, red pepper, carrots, ginger, and garlic for 5 to 7 minutes until mostly cooked and softened. Then, add the mushrooms and bean sprouts and sauté for an additional 3 minutes before removing from the pan.
How to brown the chicken: In the same skillet, add an additional 2 tablespoons of oil and brown the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan once it's done.
How to make the coconut sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, and Thai basil over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until it is reduced by half.
How To Make Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Enjoy fresh and savory lettuce wraps filled with Thai basil chicken, and fresh veggies for lunch! Whip up this easy-to-make recipe in just 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupcanola oil,or vegetable oil
- 1small white onion,thinly sliced
- 1red pepper,thinly sliced
- 1cupcarrots,shredded
- 2tbspginger,minced
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 1cupshitake mushrooms,sliced, optional
- 1cupbean sprouts,optional
- 1lbchicken breasts,ground or diced
- 1½cupsThai basil,plus ¼ cup for garnish, or basil of preference
- 1cancoconut milk
- 4tbspsoy sauce,or light soy sauce
- 6tbsprice wine vinegar
- 3tbspfish sauce
- 1tbspchili garlic sauce,or Sambal Oelek, or more to taste
- 1cupThai basil leaves,loosely-packed
- butter lettuce leaves,or romaine
- peanuts,ground, to garnish
- lime,to garnish
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, and Thai basil over medium-high heat.
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Bring to a boil, then then reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until reduced by half.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the onion, red pepper, carrots, ginger, and garlic, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until mostly cooked and softened.
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Add the mushrooms and bean sprouts, then sauté for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from pan.
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Add an additional 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan, then brown the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes until cooked through. Remove from pan.
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Combine the coconut sauce with the cooked chicken and vegetables, then toss until combined.
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Portion the mixture into lettuce cups, then garnish with crushed peanuts, lime, and additional Thai basil leaves, if desired.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 605.26kcal
- Fat: 47.32g
- Saturated Fat: 24.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.52g
- Carbohydrates: 18.82g
- Fiber: 4.04g
- Sugar: 6.14g
- Protein: 30.78g
- Cholesterol: 72.57mg
- Sodium: 2052.97mg
- Calcium: 110.11mg
- Potassium: 981.98mg
- Iron: 6.04mg
- Vitamin A: 377.88µg
- Vitamin C: 58.48mg
Helpful Technique for Assembling Lettuce Wraps
When preparing the chicken for this recipe, it's crucial to cut it into small, even pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, preventing it from drying out. Additionally, when sautéing the vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the vegetables to steam rather than sauté, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Lastly, when reducing the coconut sauce, keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. The sauce should be thick and flavorful, not scorched or overly reduced.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or wok to cook the entire dish in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Organized workspace: Before starting, ensure all ingredients and utensils are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Pre-sliced ingredients: Purchase pre-sliced vegetables or use a food processor to quickly chop ingredients, saving time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, prepare the vegetables and chicken to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup, making the process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Canola oil can be substituted with vegetable oil, which has a similar neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying and sautéing.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions as they have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
red pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red peppers, providing a similar sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a substitute for carrots, offering a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal can be used as a substitute for ginger, providing a similar aromatic and pungent flavor, commonly used in Thai cuisine.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing the same pungent flavor and aroma, while also offering convenience in preparation.
shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms can be used as a substitute for shiitake mushrooms, providing a similar earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
bean sprouts - Substitute with snow pea shoots: Snow pea shoots can be used as a substitute for bean sprouts, offering a similar crunchy texture and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts, providing a vegetarian option with a similar ability to absorb flavors and a versatile texture in the dish.
Thai basil - Substitute with Italian basil: Italian basil can be used as a substitute for Thai basil, offering a similar aromatic and slightly sweet flavor, while adding a different herbaceous note to the dish.
coconut milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a substitute for coconut milk, providing a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, offering a gluten-free alternative with a similar rich, savory flavor to enhance the dish.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice wine vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the dish.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and anchovy paste: A combination of soy sauce and anchovy paste can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, offering a similar umami-rich flavor to the dish.
chili garlic sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for chili garlic sauce, providing a spicy and garlicky flavor to the dish.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a substitute for peanuts, offering a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime, providing a similar citrusy acidity and bright flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Elevate the lettuce wraps with a stunning presentation: Arrange the lettuce cups on a sleek, white platter, ensuring they are neatly stacked and visually appealing.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the red pepper, carrots, and Thai basil to create a visually striking and appetizing dish.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the crushed peanuts with finesse, ensuring an even distribution and an elegant touch to the dish.
Create a harmonious balance: Arrange the lime wedges strategically around the platter to add a pop of color and a zesty, citrusy aroma to the dish.
Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients: Place a small, artfully arranged bunch of Thai basil leaves on the platter to highlight the use of fresh, high-quality herbs.
Focus on symmetry and aesthetics: Ensure that each lettuce wrap is meticulously filled and arranged, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Highlight the dish's texture: Place the lettuce wraps on a bed of finely shredded, vibrant green lettuce to add a textural contrast and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lettuce Wraps
Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, or simmering.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods.
Large skillet: A larger version of a skillet, used for cooking larger quantities of food.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a wide, flat blade, used for lifting and flipping food items.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together, available in various sizes.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food items.
Lettuce leaves: Fresh lettuce leaves used as a base for the lettuce wraps.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- To store leftover thai basil chicken lettuce wraps, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
- When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and vegetable mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce leaves just before serving.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture without the lettuce leaves. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, place the frozen mixture in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat the mixture in a pan or the microwave until heated through, then assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce leaves.
- If you have leftover coconut sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can use it as a dipping sauce or to add extra flavor to the wraps when reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Reheat the chicken and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This method will help maintain the texture and flavor of the filling. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of coconut milk or water to moisten it.
Alternatively, you can reheat the filling in the microwave. Place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the filling is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the vegetables to become mushy.
For a crispy texture, spread the leftover filling on a baking sheet and reheat it under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and stir the mixture once or twice during the reheating process.
If you have leftover coconut sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, whisk in a little coconut milk or water to thin it out.
Assemble the reheated filling and sauce in fresh, crisp butter lettuce leaves just before serving. This will ensure that the lettuce wraps maintain their crunch and freshness.
Garnish the reheated Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps with fresh Thai basil leaves, crushed peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh touch to the reheated dish.
Interesting Trivia About Thai Basil Chicken
Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps are a popular dish in Thai cuisine. They are often served as an appetizer or as a light and healthy main course. These wraps are a great source of protein and are packed with flavor from the aromatic Thai basil and the savory coconut sauce. This dish is also a good option for those looking for a low-carb meal, as the lettuce leaves serve as a healthy alternative to traditional wraps or tortillas.
Is Making Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps at Home Cost-Effective?
This Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, vegetables, and coconut milk, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of Thai basil and ginger adds a delightful flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Are Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps Healthy?
This Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects:
Healthy ingredients:
- Vegetables like onion, red pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Thai basil adds flavor and potential health benefits
- Lettuce wraps keep the dish low-carb
Unhealthy aspects:
- The use of canola oil, which is highly processed and may contain harmful compounds when heated
- High sodium content from soy sauce and fish sauce
- Coconut milk, while adding flavor, is high in saturated fat
- The chili garlic sauce may contain added sugars and preservatives
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace canola oil with a healthier cooking oil like avocado oil or coconut oil
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and fish sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
- Opt for light coconut milk or replace it with a mixture of low-fat coconut milk and chicken broth to reduce the saturated fat content
- Make your own chili garlic sauce using fresh ingredients to avoid added sugars and preservatives
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables used in the recipe for added nutrition
- Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a more balanced meal that includes complex carbohydrates
Editor's Opinion on Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic basil, and crunchy vegetables creates a harmonious balance. The coconut sauce adds a rich and creamy element, while the chili garlic sauce provides a subtle kick of heat. The use of butter lettuce leaves as a vessel for the filling adds a refreshing and light quality to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and vibrant dining experience, perfect for those seeking a taste of Thai cuisine with a modern twist.
Enhance Your Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite among Thai cuisine enthusiasts. It features fresh and vibrant ingredients such as Thai basil, coconut milk, and chili garlic sauce, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience. The combination of crisp lettuce leaves and savory chicken creates a delightful contrast in textures. With a well-balanced blend of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and fish sauce, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of umami flavors. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand.
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