California Lettuce Cups Recipes

ASIAN CHICKEN LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Make the sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Stir again just before using.
• Prepare the cups: Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the carrot, celery, bell pepper, peas and red onion and stir-fry about 3 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, sprouts and shiitakes. Add 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce and cook until thickened, about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer the stir-fry to a bowl; top with the scallions and peanuts.
• Wipe out the skillet. Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons canola oil over high heat. Fry the wontons until golden and crisp, about 15 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels and season with salt.
• Fill the lettuce leaves with the stir-fry. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Crumble the wontons on top or serve alongside. Serve with the remaining sauce.

CALIFORNIA LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Set aside.
• Cut the grapefruits into segments: For each grapefruit, slice off the top and the bottom; set the grapefruit on one of the flat sides and cut off the peel and pith, following the curve of the flesh. Working over a medium bowl, use a paring knife to carefully cut down the sides the segments, releasing them from the membranes and into the bowl. Discard the membranes.
• Halve and pit the avocadoes, then scoop out the flesh using a large spoon. Dice into bite-size pieces and add the avocado to the bowl with the grapefruit segments. Add the almonds, chile, cilantro, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the dressing, and toss gently. Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves and serve.

MOO SHU LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Mix first 5 ingredients and, if desired, pepper flakes. In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef with onion, garlic and ginger over medium heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. Add mushrooms, carrot, celery and pepper; stir in sauce mixture., Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended, 3-4 hours. Serve in lettuce leaves; sprinkle with green onions.

CHICKEN LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and sugar in a small bowl and mix together until the sugar dissolves.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 10 seconds. Add the onion, mushrooms, and water chestnuts and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Remove the contents of the wok.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok. Swish the oil around, add the chicken, and brown for 1 minute, or until no longer pink. Add the cooked vegetable mixture back to the wok, decrease the heat, and stir in the sauce mixture. Stir for 1 minute, or until the sauce is heated and the chicken is cooked through.
• Spoon the filling in equal amounts into the lettuce cups. Top each lettuce cup with cilantro and sprinkle with chopped cashews. Serve warm.