Best 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.

LOBSTER SALAD LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Fill a large steamer or pot with about 2 inches of water. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the water, then add the squeezed lemon halves and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Place the lobsters in the steamer basket or directly in the pot; cover and steam until the shells turn bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pot with tongs and rinse under cold water to cool slightly.
• Remove the meat from the lobster shells. Roughly chop the lobster meat into 1-inch pieces. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the mayonnaise, juice of the remaining lemon, mustard and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Add the lobster, celery and any mix-ins. Toss to combine and season with salt.
• Divide the lobster salad among the lettuce cups and sprinkle with the chives.

QUINOA PILAF IN LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until quinoa is cooked and curly white germ shows, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and spices, and saute until the onion has softened and the spices are very fragrant.
• Stir in the pine nuts and fruit and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the cooked quinoa (all the water should have been absorbed) to the skillet. Stir in the grapefruit zest and grapefruit juice. Taste, and season with salt, pepper, to taste. Allow to sit off the heat for 10 minutes so the flavors seep into the quinoa.
• Serve in lettuce cups.

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.