Chinese Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups

Transform your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Chinese Minced Pork Lettuce Cups—a delightful fusion of bold flavors and crisp textures. Tender ground pork is cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic, ginger, and onions, then paired with crunchy water chestnuts for added texture. A savory-sweet sauce featuring soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil envelopes the pork in mouthwatering flavor. Served in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves, this dish is low-carb, gluten-free (if using GF sauces), and bursting with umami. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, these lettuce cups are perfect for a light lunch, party appetizer, or family dinner. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and a hint of chili flakes for a spicy kick, and enjoy this handheld Asian-inspired treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g ground pork
• 1 head lettuce (e.g., iceberg or butter lettuce)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 100 g water chestnuts, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Separate the lettuce leaves, wash them gently, and pat dry. Set aside for serving.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.

Step 6

Stir in the finely chopped water chestnuts and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the pork evenly.

Step 8

Add red chili flakes if using, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and cilantro over the mixture, if desired.

Step 10

To serve, spoon a portion of the minced pork mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, folding it like a taco. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1526.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2202.2

Total Fat 146.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.3g
Cholesterol 451.0mg	0%
Sodium 3516.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.2g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 146.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 354.3mg	0%
Iron 9.0mg	0%
Potassium 2271.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.4%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 14.2%