Pork Lettuce Cups Recipe
Overview:
This delightful recipe for Pork Lettuce Cups is a brilliant creation born out of the remnants of a flavorful filling from Spinner’s sensational Spicy Roast Chicken dish. Waste not, want not – this recipe transforms leftovers into a vibrant appetizer perfect for any occasion, whether as a standalone snack or as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast. With the crunch of fresh greens and the savory goodness of pork, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Serves: Approximately 8 lettuce cups
Ingredients:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 onion
- 1 red chili
- 250g of ground pork
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander leaves
- 1 carrot
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup of water chestnuts
- 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 133.2
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 22.5mg
- Sodium: 393mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 7.1g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lettuce Cups:
- Begin by coring the iceberg lettuce and carefully separating the leaves to create cup-like shapes.
- Gently wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag to maintain crispness while you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the ground pork and chopped red chili to the pan and cook until the pork changes color and is thoroughly cooked, around 10 minutes.
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Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Once the pork is cooked through, add the remaining ingredients to the pan.
- Toss the mixture for another couple of minutes to ensure all ingredients are heated through and well combined.
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Assemble and Serve:
- To assemble the lettuce cups, place a spoonful of the pork filling into each lettuce leaf.
- Roll the lettuce leaves up like rice paper rolls, enclosing the filling.
- Garnish with extra chopped fresh coriander if desired, and serve with a side of oyster sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
These Pork Lettuce Cups are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. Serve them alongside other Asian-inspired dishes for a complete culinary experience. They are particularly well-suited for spring and summer gatherings, adding a refreshing touch to any occasion.
Keywords:
Pork, Greens, Vegetable, Meat, Australian, Spring, Summer, Spicy, Savory, Brunch, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Tips:
- For added crunch and texture, consider adding chopped peanuts or cashews to the filling mixture.
- Customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of chili used, or omitting it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs and greens to suit your taste preferences, such as Thai basil or shredded cabbage.
- Make sure to serve the lettuce cups immediately after assembling to maintain their crispness and freshness.