Lettuce wraps are a good choice for a “sandwich” by avoiding the carbs of bread (healthier) and you can fill them with all kinds of ingredients. They are good to make year round, they are usually quite simple and the ingredients can be made ahead of time and assembled when you are ready to eat them. I have a couple of recipes I’ve already posted: Go here
This version is kicked up with the kimchi – it is the star of these delicious wraps. This recipe comes from Alexa Weibel of NYT Cooking who states “ground chicken, lettuce and rice form the foundation; kimchi adds depth and hoisin lends sweetness.” Sounds like a good combination to me and it was!!! I did make a few changes…
Kimchi Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 1-1/2 cups tightly packed kimchi of your choice – drain any liquid (10 oz.) 2/3 will be a separate ingredient and 1/3 is for the chicken (I like JayOne in cans)
- 2 tbsp. neutral oil
- 1 lb. ground chicken (preferably dark meat – I used chicken breast)
- kosher salt (I did not add) and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp. hoisin sauce, plus more for serving
- lettuce leaves from bibb or any lettuce that would be a good vessel for the kimchi mixture (I used living lettuce and red leaf lettuce)
- cooked rice of your choice (I like Yummy, Pure Indian Basmati Rice suitable for diabetics due to a low GI – Kosher certified, premium aged Indian Sella rice, low in fat, cholesterol free, gluten free, GMO free and vegan)
Finely chop the kimchi or pulse in a food processor. Move 2/3 to a small bowl and reserve 1/3 for the chicken.
In a 12-inch skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt (optional) and a couple grinds of black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes while breaking up the meat. Stir in the hoisin and 1/3 of the reserved kimchi, stir occasionally for about 4 minutes; adjust seasonings if necessary.
Arrange the ingredients in separate bowls; kimchi/chicken mixture, lettuce leaves, rice and 2/3 of the kimchi, hoisin, chives or green onions and let your guests serve themselves.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
The ingredients…
The chicken/kimchi, hoisin mixture cooking…
These look super tasty! You really find great recipes to use kimchi with!Definitely adding to my “to try soon” list. 🙂
Super tasty and easy to make. I do prefer the red leaf lettuce as the leaves are sturdier to carry the weight of the chicken mixture. Also, I do prefer the hoisin drizzled on top – different layers of flavor 🙂
Lettuce wraps are such a healthy alternative to breads. 🥬🍞
I agree Gail and with the kimchi you get probiotics from a fermented veggie 🙂 Double healthy!
I like kimchi! 😍
Great idea!
Thanks – I’ve beene enjoying it all week. Light, but filling, and so good for you 🙂
Great sounding recipe! I’m surprised it’s not gochujang in the recipe, though. I just did a Korean bbq the other night and it was all about lettuce wraps. So good.
I use gochujang a lot but this time it’s replaced with a healthier fermented veggie and really gives these wraps a great flavor! See https://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2023/04/20/slow-cooker-cola-gochujang-glazed-beef-wrap-or-rice-bowl/ for a recipe where I did use gochujang:)
I’m not convinced that carbs aren’t healthy, but as it turns out, I happen to love lettuce! So especially in the current summer heat we have where I live, this sounds quite refreshing!
I agree Jeff – there are good carbs (complex) and bad ones (simple). In this case lettuce versus white bread is healthier, unless you use whole wheat. I love my carbs and try to find alternatives when possible. Lettuce brings out the great flavor of the kimchi/chicken mixture where bread of any kind might smother the taste – just my opinion! Anyways, it’s a great recipe
This looks really good. These lettuce leaves are popping with flavor and texture. This is a great recipe.
Interesting comment – I’m glad you like the lettuce 🙂
(laugh). I failed to describe correctly! I meant the filling for the lettuce leaves, (smile).
My husband is a big fan of kimchi and would love this recipe.
Thanks Karen – it’s a great way to use Kimchi 🙂
I like to use chicken or turkey mince for meatballs etc. This sounds tasty. cheers sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
I use a lot of ground chicken in recipes and it’s especially good in these wraps 🙂