Sesame Ginger Chicken Lettuce Boats

Sesame Ginger Chicken Lettuce Boats

Julia

These Sesame Ginger Chicken Lettuce Boats offer a refreshing twist on traditional Asian lettuce wraps, combining tender ground chicken infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. The crisp, cool lettuce leaves provide the perfect vessel for this savory filling, creating a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite satisfying yet light. This dish draws inspiration from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines, where lettuce wraps have long been celebrated as a way to enjoy bold flavors without heavy carbohydrates.

What makes these lettuce boats truly special is their versatility and convenience. They're naturally gluten-free when prepared with tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The filling comes together in just 15 minutes on the stovetop, and the boats can be assembled ahead of time for meal prep or served family-style for an interactive dinner experience.

The flavor profile is a harmonious balance of savory, slightly sweet, and nutty notes, with fresh ginger providing a warming zing and sesame seeds adding a delicate crunch. Colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, and scallions not only enhance the nutritional value but also create an eye-catching presentation. These lettuce boats are ideal for grab-and-go lunches, light dinners, or as a healthy appetizer that won't weigh you down.

With each boat containing approximately 180 calories and packed with lean protein, this recipe proves that eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. The preparation is straightforward enough for beginners, yet the results are impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you're following a gluten-free lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply seeking a fresh and flavorful meal, these Sesame Ginger Chicken Lettuce Boats deliver on all fronts.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

30 minutes
None servings
280 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 15.00g
Protein 24.00g

Ingredients

1 headbutter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
1 lbground chicken
2 tbspsesame oil, divided
2 tbspfresh ginger, minced
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1 mediumred bell pepper, diced small
1 mediumcarrot, finely shredded
3 tbspgluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
1 tbsprice vinegar
1 tbsphoney
1/2 cupwater chestnuts, drained and chopped
4 wholescallions, thinly sliced
2 tbspsesame seeds, toasted
1/2 tspsalt
1/4 tspblack pepper
1 tspsriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
wooden spoon or spatula
paper towels
small mixing bowl
chef's knife
serving platter
large skillet or wok
grater or box grater

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, using whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh chicken, vegetables, and natural seasonings. The recipe avoids artificial additives, focusing on nutrient-dense, recognizable whole foods.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce, and lettuce leaves as a wrap. All ingredients are inherently gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Ketogenic Diet

Perfectly keto-compatible with its high fat content from sesame oil and low carb profile. The lettuce wrap eliminates carbs, while ground chicken and vegetables provide moderate protein, making it an ideal ketogenic meal option.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option with lettuce boats replacing traditional high-carb wraps, keeping net carbohydrates extremely low. The protein-rich chicken and vegetable filling provides satisfying nutrition without excess carbs.

Paleo Diet

Fully Paleo-compliant using whole, unprocessed ingredients like ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and natural seasonings. The recipe avoids grains, legumes, and dairy, focusing on nutrient-dense, hunter-gatherer-style ingredients.

Primal Diet

Fully primal-friendly with grass-fed chicken, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from sesame oil. The recipe excludes grains and processed ingredients, emphasizing whole foods that support metabolic health.

Instructions

1

Separate the lettuce leaves carefully from the head, keeping them intact. Wash gently under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Select 12-16 of the best cup-shaped leaves and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.

5 min
2

Mince the ginger and garlic, dice the red bell pepper into small pieces, shred the carrot finely, chop the water chestnuts, and slice the scallions thinly, keeping the white and green parts separate.

8 min
3

In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, honey, and optional sriracha until well combined. Set the sauce aside.

1 min
4

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.

2 min
5
6 min

Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

6

Push the cooked chicken to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the center.

7
1 min

Add the minced ginger, garlic, and white parts of the scallions to the center of the skillet. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.

8
3 min

Mix everything together in the skillet, then add the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and chopped water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

9
2 min

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly reduced.

10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the sliced scallion greens and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds.

11

To assemble, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf cup. Garnish with the remaining scallion greens and sesame seeds.

3 min
12

Serve immediately while the filling is warm, or refrigerate the filling and lettuce separately for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions