Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups (San Choy Bow)
Light but satisfying lettuce cups packed with lean chicken mince, crunchy water chestnuts and aromatic ginger-soy flavours. High in protein, surprisingly low in calories.
Method
- 1.
Heat peanut oil in a large wok or non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add chicken mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Don't stir too often — let it catch and caramelise for better flavour.
- 2.
Add ginger, garlic and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3.
Add diced mushrooms and water chestnuts. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until mushrooms soften slightly.
- 4.
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and rice wine vinegar. Toss everything together and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is sticky and glazed.
- 5.
Remove from heat. Stir through the green parts of the spring onions and half the coriander.
Taste and add a splash more vinegar if you like it sharper.
- 6.
Spoon the hot chicken mixture into lettuce cups. Top with remaining coriander and fresh chilli if using. Serve immediately.
Estimated Nutrition (per serve)
Score Breakdown 84/100
Macro Split
Health Insight
This is a nutritionally strong recipe — high protein density and a good macro balance make it a solid choice for overall health.
- High protein density (14.2g per 100 cal) supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Low sugar keeps insulin response in check — great for metabolic health.
- Well-portioned calorie count (330 per serve) — right in the sweet spot for a main meal.
- Healthy fat level (27% of calories) provides sustained energy without excess.
- Could use more fibre (4g per serve). Add vegetables, beans, or swap to wholegrain.
Great protein ratio at 60% of calories — ideal for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Use butter lettuce or iceberg for the best cup shape. For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari and check your oyster sauce is gluten-free. The filling keeps in the fridge for 3 days — just reheat and assemble fresh to keep the lettuce crisp. Add grated carrot or diced capsicum with the mushrooms for extra veg.
From Lazy Steven