Asian Lettuce Wraps

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Leigh and I have always enjoyed the Asian Lettuce Wraps appetizer when we go to P.F. Chang’s, so why not make them at home too? I got this recipe from our friend, Kelly Dixon. It’s very tasty and easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 2 tsp. (heaping) minced garlic
  • 1-1/2 – 2 cans of water chestnuts, diced
  • Sesame Oil
  • 1-1/2 Lbs. of ground chicken or turkey
  • 3/4 – 1 Bottle Teriyaki sauce, or homemade teriyaki (see recipe below)
  • Soy sauce to taste
  • 1 head lettuce (Bibb, Butter or Romaine)
  • Sriracha hot chili sauce, garnish to taste
Asian Lettuce Wrap Ingredients

Preparation:

  • Sauté onions and garlic in sesame oil until translucent.
  • Add turkey/chicken and cook until fully cooked. Be sure to mix so that the meat is completely separated. I use a potato masher!
  • Drain all liquid from the pan.
  • Mix in water chestnuts, teriyaki and soy.
  • Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Serve with lettuce to wrap.
Simmering Lettuce Wrap Filling
Asian Lettuce Wraps – Ready to be Served!

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 5 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. honey, or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water

Directions:

  • Combine 1 cup of water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger and garlic in a sauce pan over medium heat. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Mix cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water together in a cup; stir until dissolved. Add to the saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened, 5-7 minutes.

I hope that you enjoy this delicious and healthy appetizer!

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

The Lamb Kofta is made with ground lamb and fresh herbs and spices and is traditionally from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions.  It can be prepared as meatballs, meatloaf and sausages.  I am preparing it as a sausage for grilling, which gives an awesome char flavor to the lamb. Served with a fresh Tzatziki Sauce and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (I’ll post these recipes soon) makes for a flavorful Mediterranean meal.

Lamb Kofta Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 3 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. white onion, grated
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. of ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped Parsley
  • Fresh onions, peppers and tomatoes (optional)
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water (optional)

Preparation & Cooking:

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl (I use my hands, it’s easier than trying to get it evenly mixed with a spoon.)
  • Divide into four (4) even portions and roll out in a sausage shape.
  • Place sausages and vegetables on the skews for grilling. (If you don’t want to serve with the vegetable, then skip the skewer.)

Lamb Kofta Kababs Ready for Grilling

  • Grill for 3 minutes per side (10-12 minutes) over med-high heat. I know there are no sides on sausage, but you’ll figure it out.
  • Plate them up!

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve with a super fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a taste of the Middle East/Mediterranean with family and friends.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad