Chicken san choy bau
Chicken san choy bau is a delightful Asian dish that packs flavor without compromising health. Fresh, crunchy, and bursting with vibrant tastes, it’s the ideal choice when you’re craving something tasty yet light. Perfect for those on a health journey, let’s dive into this dish and see what makes it a must-try!
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1 lb (450g)
- Iceberg lettuce leaves: 8, separated
- Green onions: 2, finely sliced
- Fresh ginger: 2 inches (5cm), minced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1, finely diced
- Water chestnuts: 1 can (8 oz or 225g), drained and chopped
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional for heat)
Preparation and Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 11g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients.
2. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain whole for serving.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Once hot, add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until aromatic.
5. Add in the ground chicken, breaking it apart with your spatula.
6. Cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring there’s no pink left.
7. Toss in the diced bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts, stirring occasionally.
8. Drizzle in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, blending well.
9. Add the green onions, giving the mixture a good stir.
10. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
11. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you’re looking to add a kick.
12. Remove from heat and allow to slightly cool.
Tips
1. Always use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor.
2. If you can’t find water chestnuts, bamboo shoots make a great substitute.
3. Avoid overloading lettuce cups to prevent them from breaking when eating.
4. Feel free to customize with additional veggies of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
- Lay a lettuce leaf flat on your plate or hand.
- Scoop a generous amount of the Chicken san choy bau mixture onto the center.
- Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for aesthetics and an added layer of flavor.
- Roll or fold the lettuce around the filling, and enjoy it as a fresh wrap.
- For those wanting some crunch, serve with roasted peanuts or cashews on the side.
- Chicken san choy bau also pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
FAQs
1. What exactly is Chicken san choy bau?
Chicken san choy bau is a traditional Asian dish where a savory mixture, primarily of ground chicken and various vegetables, is served in crispy lettuce leaves. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors, offering both crunch and savory satisfaction.
2. How is this dish pronounced?
It’s pronounced as “san choy bow.” The name is of Cantonese origin, and while the pronunciation might vary slightly depending on the region, this is the most widely accepted pronunciation.
3. Is Chicken san choy bau suitable for those on a diet?
Absolutely! It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and high-protein, making it a favorite among many diet enthusiasts. The lettuce cups make a nutritious alternative to heavier wraps or buns.
4. Can I replace chicken with another protein source?
Yes! While chicken is a popular choice, you can use ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The flavors are versatile enough to complement a variety of proteins.
5. Are there vegetarian or vegan versions of Chicken san choy bau?
Indeed. Tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms can replace the chicken for a meatless variant. Just ensure to substitute the chicken with an equivalent amount of your chosen alternative.
6. How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the lettuce leaves separately to maintain their crispness.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add sliced fresh chili or a splash of hot sauce to raise the heat level.
8. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, Chicken san choy bau is often a hit with kids due to its hands-on, wrap-and-eat nature. If your child isn’t keen on spice, consider reducing or omitting the pepper flakes.
9. What can I pair with Chicken san choy bau for a complete meal?
Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or Asian-inspired soups like miso or wonton make great accompaniments. For a lighter touch, a cucumber salad or steamed veggies work well too.
10. Where does Chicken san choy bau originate from?
The dish is believed to have Cantonese roots, though it’s enjoyed in various forms across many Southeast Asian countries. Each region might have its unique take, but the concept of savory filling in a lettuce wrap remains consistent.
CHICKEN SAN CHOY BAU
Nutritions
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1 lb 450g
- Iceberg lettuce leaves: 8 separated
- Green onions: 2 finely sliced
- Fresh ginger: 2 inches 5cm, minced
- Garlic cloves: 3 minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 finely diced
- Water chestnuts: 1 can 8 oz or 225g, drained and chopped
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons 30ml
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon 15ml
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon 15ml
- Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon 15ml
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon optional for heat
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain whole for serving.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until aromatic.
- Add in the ground chicken, breaking it apart with your spatula.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring there’s no pink left.
- Toss in the diced bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts, stirring occasionally.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, blending well.
- Add the green onions, giving the mixture a good stir.
- Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you’re looking to add a kick.
- Remove from heat and allow to slightly cool.
Notes
- Lay a lettuce leaf flat on your plate or hand.
- Scoop a generous amount of the Chicken san choy bau mixture onto the center.
- Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for aesthetics and an added layer of flavor.
- Roll or fold the lettuce around the filling, and enjoy it as a fresh wrap.
- For those wanting some crunch, serve with roasted peanuts or cashews on the side.
- Chicken san choy bau also pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
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