Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups
Transform your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Chinese Minced Pork Lettuce Cups—a delightful fusion of bold flavors and crisp textures. Tender ground pork is cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic, ginger, and onions, then paired with crunchy water chestnuts for added texture. A savory-sweet sauce featuring soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil envelopes the pork in mouthwatering flavor. Served in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves, this dish is low-carb, gluten-free (if using GF sauces), and bursting with umami. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, these lettuce cups are perfect for a light lunch, party appetizer, or family dinner. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and a hint of chili flakes for a spicy kick, and enjoy this handheld Asian-inspired treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g ground pork
- 1 head lettuce (e.g., iceberg or butter lettuce)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 100 g water chestnuts, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Separate the lettuce leaves, wash them gently, and pat dry. Set aside for serving.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the finely chopped water chestnuts and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the pork evenly.
Add red chili flakes if using, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and cilantro over the mixture, if desired.
To serve, spoon a portion of the minced pork mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, folding it like a taco. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2202 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.8 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.6 g | 223% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 451 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 3516 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.1 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.6 g | ||
| Protein | 146.4 g | 293% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 354 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 2272 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
