🥬🦃🍏 Asian Lettuce Cups with Turkey and Green Apple 🥢👨🍳
What is it?
Asian Lettuce Cups with Turkey and Green Apple is a delightful, fresh, and healthy dish that combines the flavors of ground turkey, crisp green apples, and various Asian-inspired seasonings. This dish is known for its balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a mix of savory and sweet.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from Asian cuisine, specifically the concept of using lettuce leaves as a vessel for wrapping various ingredients. It has become a beloved dish in many parts of the world, particularly for its fusion of flavors and the refreshing quality of lettuce.
Components:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for serving
- Optional: chopped peanuts, cilantro, and chili sauce for garnish
Steps to Prepare:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped red onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked turkey, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
- Add the diced green apple and water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the apple softens slightly.
- Just before serving, mix in the chopped green onions.
- To serve, spoon the turkey mixture into individual lettuce leaves, creating wraps or cups.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a drizzle of chili sauce if desired.
Time Needed:
Preparation time for this dish usually takes around 30 minutes, and it serves approximately 4 people. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining the crunch of lettuce with the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors of the filling. Enjoy your Asian Lettuce Cups with Turkey and Green Apple! 🍽️👌😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asian Lettuce Cups with Turkey and Green Apple:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugars: 7-9g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Potassium: 350-400mg
- Vitamin A: 20-25% of the daily recommended intake (DRI)
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of DRI
- Iron: 10-15% of DRI
Health Information:
- Protein: This dish is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting various bodily functions.
- Carbohydrates: It contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the apple and lettuce. These carbs provide energy.
- Dietary Fiber: The recipe includes dietary fiber from the apple, water chestnuts, and lettuce, which supports digestive health.
- Sugars: The sugars mainly come from the natural sugars in the green apple, providing a touch of sweetness.
- Fat: The fat content is relatively low, making this a relatively lean dish.
- Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content is also low, which is good for heart health.
- Cholesterol: Ground turkey is lower in cholesterol compared to red meat options.
- Sodium: The sodium content may vary depending on the specific brands of sauces used, so it’s a good idea to check labels for lower-sodium options.
- Potassium: The dish provides a decent amount of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
- Vitamins: It contains vitamin A and vitamin C, which are important for immune support and overall health.
- Iron: Iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
Overall, this dish is a relatively healthy option, providing a balance of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a good choice for those looking for a tasty, low-calorie, and nutrient-dense meal.
