Ground Chicken Lettuce Wrap Salad with Asian Dressing

 

Ingredients:

• Dressing:
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (or 1 teaspoon sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha or sambal oelek
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil
• Chicken:
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1-inch knob of ginger, minced
  • 1 (227ml) can of water chestnuts, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for frying
• Salad:
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 sheets of rice paper, cut into thin strips or rice noodles
  • Avocado oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ingredients for the chicken (except the tablespoon of sesame oil meant for frying) until well combined. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Set aside until ready to use.
3. In a small fry pan over medium heat, add enough avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Working in batches, add the rice noodles or strips and fry until crisp, a minute or two. Make sure each one is fried all the way through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken mixture and cook until browned all the way through, 8-10 minutes. Make sure you use your spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Drain the excess grease and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before assembling the salad.
5. Divide the chopped lettuce amongst 4 bowls. Top with the ground chicken mixture, sliced green onions, crispy rice sticks, and dressing. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• For a spicier salad, add more Sriracha or sambal oelek.
• If you don't have rice paper strips, you can use rice noodles instead.
• For a more flavorful salad, add chopped cilantro or basil.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce.