Cooking Lesson #610: China Rose Lettuce Wraps

…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen

How you doin’? One of the best dishes served at my China Rose restaurant were our Lettuce Wraps bursting with complex Asian flavors. They are delicious and a great idea for entertaining or a family-style meal.
 
I know this is a pretty bold claim but China Rose Beef or Chicken Lettuce Wraps that you can make at home are far better than those served in most Chinese restaurants. It may be bold, but it’s true! This Lettuce Wrap recipe is one that took a lot of sweat and tears working at Sea World (the restaurant not the park) in Hong Kong. So, here is the best of my years of trial and error, and lots of taste-testing, to get it just right.
 
To serve, allow each guest to spoon a portion of the meat mixture into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the like a burrito and enjoy!
 
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield:  6 to 8 servings
 
Ingredients 
16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
1 tablespoon peanut cooking oil
1 pound lean ground beef or ground chicken
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger (red ginger, if you can find it)
1 dash Asian chili pepper sauce, or to taste (Optional)
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
1-1/2 cup chopped green onions (tops and bottoms)
2 teaspoons Asian roasted (dark) sesame oil
 
Directions

1. Separate and rinse the whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not to tear them; Set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the meat; stir-fry until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Drain the meat and discard most of the grease.
5. Transfer the meat to a bowl.
6. Add the onion to the same skillet; cook and stir until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Stir in the hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and chili pepper sauce until well combined.
8. Add the chopped water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil and cooked meat; Stir-fry until the green onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
9. Serve on small plates and have extra napkins available since the mixture can sometimes drip a lot.
10. Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter; spoon meat mixture in the center.
11. To serve allow each guest to spoon a portion of the meat mixture into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the like a burrito and enjoy!

ChefSecret:  To add a little crunch and make this this dish very special, add 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.

Quip of the Day:  Why is lettuce the most loving vegetable? Because it’s got heart and a head.
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Do you have a question or comment?  Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.

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