Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A few weeks ago, I did a review of The MD Factor Diet by Caroline Cederquist MD. One of the big takeaways for me is that I really need to focus on eating more protein and less carbs. It’s not that I eat an unhealthy diet – I think compared to the typical American, it’s actually really healthy, and I’m definitely not overweight. But I’ve noticed for probably the past five years or so, my metabolism has come to a screeching halt, and I really have to watch what I eat, or I will gain weight. I’m also a lot more tired, and my stomach in particular, has been expanding. Yep, I have the meno-pot and all of the joys that come with it.
Unfortunately, abdominal weight is the worst kind – it leads to insulin resistance, prediabetes, high blood pressure and all those good things, and the best way to reverse it, or stop the progression, is to be as active as possible, eat fewer carbs, especially refined carbs, and keep any alcoholic beverages to a minimum. Even though I work out most days and eat mostly a plant-based diet, I do love my chocolate and ice cream. And I’m not gonna lie – I really enjoy my glass of wine... So I’ve decided to follow the advice in The MD Factor Diet, and cut out my sweet treats, eliminate the wine, reduce my carbs, and really boost my protein. At least for a few weeks.
Guess what? I’m not dying! I’m actually OK with fruit instead of chocolate, and an extra bite of salmon instead of sweet potato. I did have a glass of wine when we went out to dinner this weekend, but I’m pretty OK without it during the week. Who knew? I even feel like I have more energy, and I'm definitely way more full and satisfied throughout the day.
One of the higher protein-lower carb dinners I tried recently is these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They were born out of the sad fact that we’ve been in our new house for almost 6 months, and haven’t been able to find a good Chinese restaurant anywhere. If you live in Scottsdale, PU-LEEZE let me know where to find one!
These make a great appetizer or party food as well as dinner.
Make this recipe really quick and easy by using the shredded cabbage and carrots sold in little bags in the produce department.
And if you like lettuce wraps, don't miss my Thai Larb Lettuce Wraps. They're delicious too!
Recipe
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 2 large cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger root
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- ¾ cup shredded white cabbage
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 3 scallions chopped
- 4-5 crimini mushrooms baby bella, minced
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce to taste
- 12 Butter lettuce leaves washed and dried
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium high and add chicken. Cook, stirring frequently to break up chicken, until it's no longer pink.
- Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and scallions and stir well until vegetables start to wilt.
- Add hoison sauce, sesame oil, and season with soy sauce to taste.
- Remove chicken from heat, and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leave and serve.
- To eat, roll leaves, burrito style.
Notes
Nutrition
Are you a carb lover, or a protein lover? What’s your biggest challenge in eating less carbs?
Eat well!
Looking at it, it would also be easy to switch out the soya sauce for a GF version. I'm not familiar w/hoison sauce, though. Does it have gluten?
Yes - there are a few companies that make a GF Hoisin sauce - Lee Kum Kee is a big one also Sun Luck - both at most grocery stores. Definitely don't skip it - you'll love it and it's so good in anything asian or even BBQ, stew etc! Thanks for visiting! Love your blog 🙂
Love lettuce wraps! These remind me of PF Changs which I just adore! I happen to be total carb lover (guilty) and actually have a harder time getting in more protien. I would much rather eat oatmeal, banana bread and pizza wraps BUT this is why I am always on the look out for easy ways to get more protien in! This recpe is perfect. Pinning!
I am the exact same way about carbs, but I don't miss them at all with this recipe! Hope you enjoy it 🙂