As seen on The Great American Recipe S3 EP7. When good friends had us over to dinner a few years back, we were blown away by these Thai inspired flavors they prepared. These lettuce wraps contain a flavor punched sauce that carries through both the rice, and the sautéed protein vegetables. All served on fresh lettuce leaves, this dish provides layers of texture, flavor, and freshness.
Ingredients
For the sauce…
1/2 cup Fish sauce
1/2 cup Lime juice
5 Tbsp Light brown sugar
1 cup Thinly sliced Shallots
6 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup Sunflower Oil, or neutral oil, divided
1 teaspoon Chile flakes
For the filling…
2 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch dice
2-3 tablespoons Sunflower oil, neutral oil
1-2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
4-6 Green onions, sliced
4 ounces Shiitake, mushrooms, sliced
2 cups Long grain white rice, rinsed
For the lettuce wraps…
2 to 3 Heads Leaf lettuce, such as butter lettuce, for wraps
3-4 tablespoons Freshly chopped cilantro
3-4 tablespoons Freshly chopped mint
1/2 cup Sliced Radishes
6-12 Lime wedges
Cook rice to package directions using your favorite method.
In a 10 inch skillet placed over medium high heat, sauté shallots & garlic in 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil until golden on edges, not fully browned. Meanwhile, in a medium size mixing bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Once the shallot mixture is golden, add directly to the lime mixture. Set sauce aside for later.
In a large 12 inch skillet, placed over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil, the chicken thighs and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Cook chicken in an even layer, turning occasionally until completely brown and cooked through. Add the mushrooms and green onions to the pan. Cook 3-5 minutes more, or until vegetables are softened. Add a few tablespoons of the sauce to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Fluff rice with a fork, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sauce, including pieces of the garlic and shallots, and continue aerating lightly with a fork to combine.
To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a small amount of rice followed by the chicken and vegetables. Top with fresh radish and chopped mint and cilantro. Serve with more sauce along side. Enjoy!
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