Wraps: Thai Cashew Chicken Lettuce

A couple weeks ago we drove with Haileigh across the mitten to tour her top college pick. I’ve always not-so-secretely wanted Haileigh to stay home and go to college locally, claiming it will save us all money but genuinely because I’m not ready for her to leave me. So selfish, but it’s the truth.

However, after walking around this college and seeing what hopefully will be her future school, and where she’ll not only learn but grow and develop new life experiences and friendships, changed my outlook on the whole thing. The amenities, work out facilities and places to eat didn’t hurt either. PLUS the library was pretty darn standout with it’s 4 stories and automatic book selector. Needless to say, the whole tour was standout, the campus is fine-looking and I truly believe we all feel that this college will fit her perfectly and we could entirely see her attending there next fall.

All Pat and I have ever wanted for our kids is to experience everything there is to life. Especially college.

That was number one requirement of them getting older, college was mandatory. I’m pretty sure they new the answer to “when you graduate from high school you must…” since they were 5 years old. Then we blinked and we are in disbelief that we are already at this stage of our lives.

Malloree only has 3 years of high school, before we have to tour colleges with her. It’s crazy how time flies when they’re older but not when they’re 15 months old and looking you square in the eye while dropping their tiny cubes of grilled cheese onto the floor.

After our trip out to the west side of the state, we came home and both girls took off for the first high school football game of the season. So I made these satisfying Thai cashew chicken lettuce wraps for Pat and I to have for dinner. Straightforward, handheld little bundles of flavor. I already loved lettuce wraps because they are so simple and are fun and sometimes deliciously messy to eat.

These did not disappoint.

To Make These Thai Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Set out:

• chicken tenders – Or use thin cut chicken breast halves.
• low-sodium tamari – Can substitute with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos.
• cornstarch – Helps develop texture on the outside of the chicken when cooked.
• white pepper – Brighter, a little sharper and more herbaceous notes than regular black pepper.
• cashews – Lends satisfying nutty flavor and crunch.
• oyster sauce – Tastes like the combination of soy sauce, fish sauce with the consistency of barbecue sauce.
• lime juice – For acidity and subtle bright citrusy flavor.
• sriracha – For delicios spice.
• toasted sesame oil – Lends robust nutty flavor.
• lemongrass (fresh) – The flavor is a combination of lemon and ginger with floral notes of mint.
• ginger (fresh) – Lends a pungent, spicy and sweet flavor.
• garlic – This adds distinct and punchy flavor to this dish.
• lettuce leaves – For serving. Use iceberg, bibb or romaine.

for serving (optional):

• sliced green onions
• cilantro leaves
• toasted sesame seeds
• sambal oelek (chili garlic paste)
• or sriracha

Start by dicing 1 to 1-1/4 pound chicken tenders into small pieces, about 1/2-inch or so. Throw that into a bowl along with 1 tablespoon of the low-sodium tamari, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Toss to combine and set off to the side for a moment.

Next add the remaining 3 tablespoons of low-sodium tamari, 1/4 cup oyster sauce, juice of 1/2 a lime, 1 teaspoon sriracha (give or take), 1 teaspoon of the toasted sesame oil. Then simply whisk to combine. Set this bowl off to the side as well.

As a side note, due to the fact oyster sauce can lean toward the salty side, a low-sodium (not reduced sodium) tamari or soy sauce is highly recommended for this dish.

In a dry wok or large chefs pan, toast a 1/2 cup of cashews over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Transfer the cashews to a clean plate and set them off to the side.

In the same pan, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and add in 1 tablespoon of lemongrass, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger and 2 cloves of grated garlic. Stir and cook for 45 second or until fragrant.

Increase the heat to hight and add in all of the chicken and spread it out evenly. Cook (untouched) for 3 to 4 or until the bottom is deeply golden brown and crispy. Use a wooden spatula to toss the chicken. Continue to stir-fry the chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink.

Next add in the toasted cashews and pour in the sauce. Toss the chicken and cashews in the sauce until coated.

Allow the sauce to simmer until it has thickened.

Deeply good!

Add spoonfuls of the Thai cashew chicken mixture into fresh, crisp lettuce leaves (of your choice). I’m using butter lettuce, but Bibb, iceberg or romaine are great options as well. Then top with green onions, cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds.

These wraps are deeply good!

If you’re looking for some heat, I like to drizzle sambal oelek over top. Worth the pot. Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling and devour!

For more lettuce wraps Click Here!

Enjoy! And if you give this Thai Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!