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- 1 lb ground chicken - 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 medium carrot, grated - 3 green onions, sliced diagonally - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnishing) - 1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves carefully separated The main ingredients create a rich and savory base. The ground chicken brings protein and texture. Teriyaki sauce and soy sauce add sweet and salty notes. Fresh ginger and garlic provide warmth and depth, making every bite burst with flavor. Adding vegetables makes this dish vibrant and fresh. The bell pepper gives a nice crunch and color. Grated carrot adds sweetness and nutrients. Green onions bring a mild onion flavor, and sesame seeds can give a nutty crunch if you choose to add them. For the lettuce, you can use iceberg or butter lettuce. Iceberg is crisp and sturdy, while butter lettuce is soft and tender. Both hold the filling well. You can also mix and match the veggies based on your taste. Feel free to add more or swap them out! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil and let it shimmer. 2. Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. 3. Now, add 1 lb of ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is no longer pink. 1. Stir in 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken in flavor. 2. Add 1 finely chopped bell pepper and 1 grated carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the veggies soften and the mixture heats through. 3. Remove from heat and fold in 3 sliced green onions. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. 1. Take a lettuce leaf and place it on your plate. Iceberg or butter lettuce works great. 2. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of the leaf. This creates a lovely cup shape. 3. For a finishing touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top. This adds crunch and looks great on your plate. These steps will lead you to a fresh and flavorful dish that is easy to make and enjoyable to eat! To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, choose ground chicken with a good fat content. This helps it stay juicy and flavorful. Use a large non-stick skillet for best results. The non-stick surface prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cooking easier. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic and ginger. When arranging your cups, use a vibrant platter to make your dish pop. Place the filled lettuce cups close together. This creates a fun and inviting look. For extra flair, drizzle some teriyaki sauce over the cups. Add more green onion slices and sesame seeds for a colorful touch. To boost the flavor, try adding a splash of chili sauce for some heat. You can also mix in hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. For side dishes, pair these cups with rice or a simple cucumber salad. These options balance the flavors and add texture to your meal. Pro Tips Prep Your Ingredients: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking will streamline the process and ensure everything comes together smoothly. Choose Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, crisp vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color and texture to your lettuce cups. Opt for seasonal produce for the best taste. Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of teriyaki and soy sauce to suit your preference. A little extra sauce can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix in or top your chicken mixture with other ingredients like diced cucumber, avocado, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef. Ground turkey gives a leaner taste. Ground beef adds richness and flavor. Both options work well with teriyaki sauce. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using plant-based protein. Crumbled tofu or tempeh absorbs flavors well. Just sauté them in sesame oil with garlic and ginger. This keeps your dish tasty and healthy. You can play with different sauces to change the flavor. Try hoisin or sweet chili sauce for a new twist. These choices add sweetness and depth. If you like heat, toss in some chopped peppers. Sriracha or diced jalapeños can spice things up. This gives your dish a nice kick and makes it more exciting. Instead of lettuce cups, use wraps or tacos. Tortillas or rice paper make fun, hand-held meals. You can fill them with the teriyaki chicken mixture just like the cups. Another option is to serve the chicken over rice or quinoa. This makes the meal more filling and hearty. Plus, it soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce. Enjoy exploring these variations to suit your taste! After you enjoy your teriyaki chicken lettuce cups, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. The cooked chicken mixture should stay fresh for about three to four days. If you leave it out at room temperature, it can spoil quickly. Always remember to check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container. Take out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm, stirring often to keep it even. You can get creative with your leftover chicken! Try using it in a stir-fry with other veggies or on top of rice. You can also make a quick wrap using tortillas instead of lettuce. Another fun idea is to use it as a filling for baked potatoes. Each option gives you a new and tasty meal. To make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups healthier, you can make a few simple swaps: - Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken. It has less fat. - Choose low-sodium teriyaki sauce. This cuts down on salt. - Add more veggies for extra fiber and nutrients. Try shredded cabbage or zucchini. - Substitute sesame oil with a light olive oil for a healthier fat option. These changes keep your meal tasty while improving nutrition. Yes, you can prepare Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the chicken mixture and let it cool completely. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for 3-4 days. - Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then store them separately in a bag. - When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and assemble the cups. This makes meal prep easy and quick! Absolutely! If you need gluten-free options, consider these swaps: - Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. - Check your teriyaki sauce label. Many brands offer gluten-free versions. - Avoid any added sauces that may contain gluten. These swaps make your Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups safe and delicious! In this blog post, I shared a tasty recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for perfecting your dish. Variations let you customize flavors and proteins. I discussed storage options to help you save leftovers. These cups are easy to make and fun to serve. I hope you try this healthy recipe soon! Keep experimenting to find your favorite flavors and enjoy every bite.

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

A delicious and healthy dish featuring ground chicken cooked in teriyaki sauce, served in crisp lettuce cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped (red or yellow)
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 3 green onions sliced diagonally
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnishing)
  • 1 head iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves separated

Instructions
 

  • In a large non-stick skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until aromatic and fragrant.
  • Carefully add the ground chicken, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's fully browned and no longer pink.
  • Stir in the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauces.
  • Next, add the finely chopped bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become tender, and the mixture is heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sliced green onions, mixing until incorporated.
  • To assemble, take an individual lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center, creating a delightful cup shape.
  • If desired, finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce cups on a vibrant serving platter. Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce for a glossy finish and garnish with extra green onion and sesame seeds.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, healthy, lettuce cups, teriyaki