Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs in Lettuce Wraps

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 1
Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs in Lettuce Wraps recipe for a light and tasty lunch
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs , trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons asian fish sauce
3 small shallots , finely chopped
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 stalk fresh lemongrass , tender white inner bulb only , minced
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro , plus
1/3 cup cilantro leaf , for serving
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint , plus
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves , for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 head boston lettuce or 1 head red leaf lettuce , leaves separated
1 small seedless cucumber , peeled halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1 small red onion , halved and sliced
Asian chili sauce , for serving

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
300
Sugar
20g
Fat
12g
These Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs in Lettuce Wraps are a healthy and delicious lunch option. Inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, the meatballs are flavored with lemongrass, garlic, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. The meatballs are baked in the oven, making them a low-fat option. The lettuce leaves serve as a light and crispy vessel to hold the meatballs and other toppings like cucumber and red onion. A drizzle of sweet and sticky caramel sauce and some chili sauce finishes off the dish with a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a light and tasty lunch.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.In a food processor, pulse the chicken, fish sauce, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, cilantro, mint, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until the chicken is finely minced and the mixture is well combined.
3.Roll the mixture into balls, about one heaping tablespoon each.
4.Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
5.Meanwhile, heat the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and golden brown.
6.Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in 2 tablespoons of water.
7.To serve, place the lettuce leaves on a plate and top each with a few meatballs, cucumber slices, red onion, a sprinkle of cilantro and mint, and a drizzle of the caramel sauce and chili sauce.

PROS

These meatballs are a light and flavorful lunch option that are packed with protein and veggies.

The lettuce wraps make it easy to keep the meal low-carb and gluten-free.

This dish is also dairy-free.

CONS

The caramel sauce can be tricky to make and requires some attention to prevent it from burning.

It can also be high in sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue. It is also a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium.
The fresh herbs and veggies used in this recipe add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish which can aid in digestion and support overall health.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.