Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups 🥬🥢

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Description

Nice and fresh tasting, these Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups are perfect as an entree or as delightful appetizers in smaller portions. You could also explore using ground turkey or chicken for a tasty twist on this classic dish.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 753.9
• Total Fat: 56.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 18.6g
• Cholesterol: 164.1mg
• Sodium: 1137.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.7g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 42.1g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce Cups

   • Cut the iceberg lettuce into cup shapes ahead of time, opting for leaves towards the center of the head of lettuce.
   • Use kitchen shears to create any necessary shapes and set them aside to chill.

2. Cooking the Pork

   • In a large skillet, sauté the ground pork until it browns beautifully.
   • Remove the meat from the skillet and drain off any excess fat.

3. Flavor Infusion

   • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until tender.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, allowing their aroma to fill your kitchen.

4. Sauce it Up

   • Return the pork to the skillet, along with the rice wine.
   • Stir continuously until the wine reduces, creating a flavorful base.

5. Umami Galore

   • Incorporate the hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce into the mixture, stirring well to ensure every morsel is coated in flavor.

6. Textural Delight

   • Add the water chestnuts for a delightful crunch and the fresh cilantro for a burst of color and aroma.
   • Heat the mixture through, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.

7. Garnish and Serve

   • Transfer the Chinese Minced Pork to a serving platter, allowing the enticing aroma to waft through the air.
   • Garnish generously with toasted pine nuts, adding a nutty crunch to each bite.

8. Assembly

   • Present the flavorful pork mixture alongside the chilled lettuce cups.
   • To serve, simply spoon the minced pork into the lettuce cups, creating delightful wraps of flavor.

Notes

• These Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dish.
• For those looking to reduce the fat content, lean ground pork or turkey can be excellent alternatives.
• Customize the dish to your liking by adjusting the amount of sauce or adding additional vegetables for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these lettuce cups as a light and satisfying entree.
• Serve them as delightful appetizers at your next gathering, allowing guests to savor the flavors in bite-sized portions.
• Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Wine Pairing

• The savory flavors of the pork blend beautifully with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.
• For a refreshing contrast, consider a crisp white wine like a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage Instructions

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring not to overcook the pork.

Enjoy! 🍽️

Whether you’re indulging in these Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups as a main course or serving them as elegant appetizers, each bite promises a burst of flavor and texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cups offer a delightful combination of savory pork, crunchy water chestnuts, and aromatic cilantro, all wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce. Customize to your heart’s content and savor the deliciousness of this classic Chinese dish!