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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - Chopped peanuts - Sliced chili The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. Ground chicken brings protein and flavor. Fresh Thai basil adds a unique taste that makes this dish special. Lettuce cups serve as a fresh, crisp vessel for the chicken mix. For pantry staples, soy sauce and fish sauce provide umami depth. Vegetable oil helps cook the garlic and onion, creating a fragrant base. Optional garnishes like chopped peanuts give crunch, while sliced chili can add heat. Feel free to adjust these extras to fit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. The onion should turn translucent. - Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned, stirring often to break up the meat. - Now, add 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly. - Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well to combine the flavors. - Toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped Thai basil leaves. Cook for an additional minute until the basil wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat. - To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the separated leaves of butter or romaine lettuce. - Garnish with chopped peanuts and sliced chili if you like a bit of heat. Enjoy your flavorful and fresh meal! To keep the chicken juicy, cook it on medium heat. This helps it stay moist. Avoid cooking it on high heat for too long. If you do, the chicken can dry out quickly. Use a non-stick skillet for easy cooking. For sautéing, start at medium heat. This allows flavors to blend well. Once the garlic and onion soften, you can turn it up. Medium-high heat works great when you add the ground chicken. Arrange the lettuce cups on a large platter. This makes them look inviting. Spoon the chicken mixture into the cups just before serving. For a fresh touch, add lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime brings out the flavors. Want more flavor? Try adding some crushed red pepper or fresh ginger. These spices boost the taste. You can also add more Thai basil for a stronger herbal kick. Adjust the soy sauce to fit your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh Thai basil adds a unique flavor that dried herbs cannot replicate. Make sure to use fresh leaves for the best taste. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sliced chili according to your spice tolerance. You can also add more chili paste for an extra kick. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the lettuce cups right after assembling. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, or even shredded carrots to enhance the presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. It has a mild flavor that blends nicely with the sauce. Tofu is another great choice for a plant-based twist. Just crumble firm tofu into the skillet and cook it like you would the chicken. Another tasty option is shrimp. Use peeled, deveined shrimp for a quick cooking method. Just add them after sautéing the garlic and onion. Cook until they turn pink, then mix in the bell pepper and sauces as usual. If you're looking for a vegetarian meal, chickpeas or lentils can take the place of meat. They add protein and fiber, making the dish hearty. Just cook them until warm, then mix with the sauces and basil. You can also enhance the veggie mix by adding more colorful vegetables. Try adding grated carrots, snap peas, or diced zucchini. These additions will boost the dish's nutrition and crunch. Changing the sauces or spices can give this dish a new life. For a sweet touch, add a splash of hoisin sauce. If you like heat, a dash of sriracha can spice things up. Don't forget about the lettuce! While butter or romaine are great, try using iceberg or even cabbage leaves. Each type of lettuce brings its own texture and flavor to the cups. Enjoy the fun of mixing and matching! To keep your Thai Basil Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This method helps prevent moisture loss and keeps your dish tasty. You can expect the chicken to last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to save your chicken mixture for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. The chicken can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat until it’s hot throughout. To reheat your chicken without losing the great texture, use a skillet. This method keeps it juicy and flavorful. You can also add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you have extra chicken, try using it in other meals. You can mix it into fried rice or serve it over noodles for a quick lunch. To make your Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups spicier, you can add sliced chili peppers. Use fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies for a strong kick. You can also mix in some chili paste or sauce while cooking the chicken. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the heat level. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works well. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken mixture and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a pan. Freshen it up by adding more Thai basil just before serving. Prepare the lettuce cups right before serving for the best crunch. These lettuce cups are great on their own, but you can enhance your meal with sides. Serve jasmine rice or sticky rice for a filling addition. A light cucumber salad pairs well and adds freshness. You can also offer a side of spring rolls for a fun appetizer. Consider a simple dipping sauce to go with it for extra flavor. You now know how to make Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups. The main ingredients are ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and lettuce. Sauté garlic and onion first, then cook the chicken, and add sauces. Got leftovers? Store them properly for later. Feel free to swap proteins or adjust flavors to fit your taste. This dish is not just tasty, it's versatile. With simple steps and a few tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups

A flavorful dish featuring ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and served in crisp lettuce cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
  • to taste chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
  • to taste sliced chili for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and sesame oil, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
  • Toss in the chopped Thai basil leaves and cook for an additional minute until the basil wilts. Remove from heat.
  • To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce cups.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts and sliced chili if desired.

Notes

Arrange the lettuce cups on a platter and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness.
Keyword basil, chicken, lettuce cups, Thai cuisine