Thai Lettuce Wraps

My dear friend, Genie Sickmeyer, shared this great recipe with me this summer and it has quickly turned into a family favorite.  It’s healthy and appetizing too! There are many variations to the theme here so feel free to exchange one item for another, according to your family’s tastes. Here is what our family loves.

To feed 5-6 people:

Step 1: Marinate 4 boneless chicken breasts over night or all day in Zesty Italian salad dressing. (I have also found another great option to use here. You can buy already seasoned Greek or Cajun chicken breasts and just grill them. They too, add a wonderful flavor to these yummy wraps!)  When ready to start the meal, you will grill the marinated chicken breasts on your grill and slice them in strips before serving.

Ahead of time: Wash and drain dry, 1 pkg. whole leaf romaine lettuce. (or more depending on the amount you are feeding.)

Dice or chop one bunch fresh cilantro.
1 ½ cups shredded carrots (I love to put baby carrots through my Salad Shooter for this part.)
¾ cup salted peanuts (optional)
1 can drained water chestnuts (optional)
1-2 cups mung bean sprouts (optional)

Step 2: From an Asian store buy some oriental noodles. Soak in warm water for a few hours till they soften well.  In a fry pan sauté the noodles in sesame oil, 4 garlic cloves crushed and a tinch of salt (estimate how much sesame oil you’d like to use. I use at least 2/3 cup or more)  Sauté till soft and marinated well together. Don’t rush this process.

Step 3: In another fry pan, sauté in a bit of olive oil, 1 large sliced onion, 4 garlic cloves crushed, 1 yellow and 1 green pepper sliced.  Sauté till softened.

On the romaine lettuce leaves, layer your noodles, meat, cilantro, carrots, sprouts or water chestnuts. Top with a few peanuts if desired.

Then for the fine finish you can top your wrap with a drizzling of Sweet Chili Sauce and some Satay Peanut Sauce. Both are found in your Asian store.

You may wrap or roll and then ENJOY! Be sure to supply plenty of napkins along with this meal! It’s finger lickin’ good!

Thank you Genie, for introducing our family to this wonderful meal.