Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 Tbsp Warm Water
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Red Chilli, finely chopped (for sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced (for filling)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 medium Shallot, finely diced
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken (Minced)
  • 2 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce
  • 1 can (8 oz) Water Chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 medium Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Scallions (Green Onions), sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 1 large head Butter Lettuce or Iceberg Lettuce
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Coriander), chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 Tbsp Roasted Peanuts, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Zesty Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Fish Sauce, Lime Juice, Brown Sugar, Warm Water, minced garlic, and finely chopped red chilli. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Lettuce: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, rinse thoroughly, and pat them completely dry. Set aside on a serving platter.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, diced shallot, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté briskly for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned and no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Build Flavor: Stir in the Soy Sauce and Hoisin Sauce. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
  6. Add Crunch: Incorporate the chopped water chestnuts and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender-crisp. Stir in the green parts of the scallions and remove the pan from the heat immediately.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm chicken filling into the dry lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts, if using. Serve immediately alongside the Zesty Nuoc Cham dipping sauce for drizzling or dipping.