Ingredients

1 lb. ground chicken or pork (chicken preferred)

1 inch piece ginger, grated

4 cloves garlic, grated

3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts)

1 zucchini, diced (optional)

1 carrot, diced (optional)

1/2 to 1 cup pre-cooked brown rice and/or quinoa

8-10 lettuce leaves (leaf, butter, or romaine lettuce)

Spicy mayo: 1/2 cup mayo + 2-3 tablespoons sriracha

Juice of 5-6 limes (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup lime juice)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust depending on lime juice)

1/4 teaspoon grated garlic (for lime drench)

1/4 teaspoon grated ginger (for lime drench)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and crumbled.

Step 2: Reserve a small amount of grated garlic and ginger for the lime drench. While the chicken cooks, combine the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, reserved garlic, and ginger in a jar. Shake well to mix and set aside.

Step 3: To the cooked chicken in the skillet, add the remaining grated garlic and ginger, sliced green onions, diced zucchini, and diced carrot. Sauté for 5–10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic. If the pan gets dry, add a drizzle of oil, soy sauce, or a splash of water to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the pre-cooked brown rice and/or quinoa. Continue cooking until the mixture is heated through and slightly softened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: To serve, spoon the filling into individual lettuce leaves. Drizzle generously with the lime drench and add a dollop of spicy mayo on top. Enjoy the fresh crunch and bold flavors together!

Tips & Variations

Use ground pork or turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.

Swap lettuce leaves for cabbage leaves if you want extra crunch.

Add chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top for texture.

Adjust the spiciness of the mayo by adding more or less sriracha.

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, butter lettuce, romaine, or even iceberg lettuce all work well as they hold the filling and add a nice crunch.

Is it necessary to use both ginger and garlic?

Yes, ginger and garlic together create the signature aromatic base that makes this dish flavorful and balanced, but you can adjust quantities based on your preference.