Lettuce cups, also known as san choy bau, are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. These refreshing and light bites are perfect for a warm summer day and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish. The combination of tender pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy lettuce creates a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. In this article, we will share with you a simple and delicious Vietnamese pork lettuce cups recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Shallots, Crushed Garlic, Ground Pork
For a kick of heat in your lettuce cups, try this delicious recipe for spicy pork lettuce cups. The combination of tender pork, crunchy lettuce, and spicy flavors will leave your taste buds satisfied. Start by marinating diced pork in a mixture of soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, and chili powder. Then, cook the pork in a pan until it is fully cooked and slightly crispy. Serve the pork in lettuce cups and top with thinly sliced red onion and fresh cilantro. These lettuce cups make for a perfect appetizer or light meal.
2of 20
Vietnamese Lettuce Cups with Pork Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Shallot, Fish Sauce, Garlic, Water, Sugar
This Vietnamese-inspired dish is a tasty twist on traditional lettuce cups. The pork meatballs are packed with flavors from fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. After forming the meatballs, fry them in a pan until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Serve them in lettuce cups and top with thinly sliced cucumber and carrot, fresh herbs like mint and basil, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. These lettuce cups are bursting with flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
3of 20
BBQ Pork Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bbq Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Low
For a twist on traditional BBQ, try serving your pulled pork in lettuce cups instead of on a bun. The tender and juicy pulled pork pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce cups. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce and thinly sliced red cabbage and pickled red onions. The combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors makes for a mouthwatering meal.
4of 20
Pork Carnitas Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you're in the mood for some Mexican flavors, try these pork carnitas lettuce cups. Slow-cooked pork is combined with spices like cumin and smoked paprika to create flavorful and tender meat. Serve in lettuce cups and top with fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco. These lettuce cups are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tacos.
5of 20
Easy Vietnamese Pork Bun Bowls
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Small Yellow Onion, Sugar, Fish Sauce
For a fun and customizable meal, try these Vietnamese pork bun bowls. Marinate diced pork in a mixture of lemongrass, soy sauce, and garlic, then cook in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve over rice or vermicelli noodles with fresh cucumbers, carrots, and herbs. Drizzle with a flavorful sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste. These bowls are packed with flavors and textures and can be customized to your liking.
6of 20
Ancho Pulled Pork Lettuce Cups with Grilled Pineapple
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Pineapple Juice
This unique twist on traditional pulled pork combines ancho chili powder and cumin for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. The pulled pork is then served in lettuce cups and topped with grilled pineapple slices and thinly sliced red onion. The sweetness from the pineapple complements the smoky flavors of the pork, making for a delicious combination.
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Turmeric Powder
Banh Xeo, also known as Vietnamese turmeric crepes, are a popular street food in Vietnam. These savory crepes are made with a batter containing turmeric, coconut milk, and rice flour. The batter is then filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and mung beans before being folded and cooked until crispy. Serve these flavorful crepes in lettuce cups and top with fresh herbs like cilantro and crushed peanuts. These lettuce cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish.
8of 20
Chicken Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Rice Vinegar, Soy
If you prefer chicken over pork, these lettuce cups are the perfect option for you. Marinate diced chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, then cook in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve in lettuce cups and top with thinly sliced bell peppers and sliced almonds. These lettuce cups are a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout.
9of 20
Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Garlic, Fresh
For a bolder Asian flavor, try these Asian chicken lettuce cups. Diced chicken is marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and garlic, then cooked in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve in lettuce cups and top with thinly sliced green onions and sliced water chestnuts. These lettuce cups are full of bold flavors and have the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
10of 20
Bún Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice...
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Honey, Dark Brown Sugar, Minced
Bún Thịt Nướng is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sauce. Marinate pork in a mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic, then grill until fully cooked and slightly charred. Serve over rice noodles with lettuce, cucumber, and mint. Drizzle with a sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. These lettuce cups are a refreshing and flavorful meal that you will love.
11of 20
Loaded Juicy Lucy Sheet Pan Sliders
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
If you're looking for a fun and tasty party food, these loaded Juicy Lucy sliders are the perfect option. Start by making a mixture of ground pork, seasonings, and cheddar cheese. Form into small patties and bake on a sheet pan until fully cooked. Serve between slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and dill pickles. These sliders are easy to make and will be a hit at any gathering.
12of 20
Pork Larb Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Rice, Pork Shoulder, Vegetable Broth, Red Onions, Fresh
Larb, a traditional Laotian and Thai salad, is a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for serving in lettuce cups. Start by marinating ground pork in a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. Cook the pork in a pan until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Serve in lettuce cups and top with fresh herbs like cilantro and thinly sliced red onion. These lettuce cups are packed with bold flavors and are perfect for a light and healthy meal.
13of 20
Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic Clove, Lemon Juice, Green Onions, Brown
If you're in the mood for some Mexican flavors, try serving your taco filling in lettuce cups instead of traditional taco shells. For a tasty pork filling, marinate diced pork in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and honey. Cook in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve in lettuce cups and top with salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream. These lettuce cups are a healthier alternative to traditional tacos and are just as delicious.
14of 20
Bite Sized Appetizers - Mini B.L.T Cups
Main Ingredients: Grape Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cooked Bacon, Bacon, Egg Yolk
If you're looking for a tasty appetizer, try these mini B.L.T cups. Start by making mini cups out of flaky pastry dough. Bake until golden brown and let cool. Then, fill with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and lettuce. Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing. These bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at your next party.
15of 20
Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that can be served as a snack or a meal. These thick cornmeal cakes are topped with a variety of toppings, making them customizable and delicious. For a pork option, marinate diced pork in a mixture of adobo sauce, cumin, and garlic. Cook in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve on top of sopes with lettuce, tomatoes, and queso fresco. These sopes are full of flavor and make for a fun and unique meal.
For a light and refreshing meal, try these Vietnamese fresh spring rolls. These rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. Dip in a flavorful sauce made from hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and rice vinegar. These rolls are perfect for a hot summer day or as a healthy snack.
Cha Gio, also known as Vietnamese fried spring rolls, are a crispy and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving in lettuce cups. The filling is made from ground pork, shrimp, and mung beans before being rolled and fried until golden brown. Serve in lettuce cups and top with lettuce, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. These spring rolls are full of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
18of 20
BLT Chicken Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bacon, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Milk, Green
For a lighter and healthier take on the classic BLT sandwich, try these BLT chicken lettuce cups. Marinate diced chicken in a mixture of honey mustard, olive oil, and garlic, then cook in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Serve in lettuce cups and top with crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, and avocado. These lettuce cups are a tasty and guilt-free option for lunch or dinner.
19of 20
Pulled Pork Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Sandwich, Pulled Pork, Butter Lettuce, Avocados
For a twist on traditional pulled pork, try serving it in lettuce cups instead of on a bun. Marinate pork in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, honey, and mustard, then cook in a slow cooker until it is tender and can easily be pulled apart. Serve in lettuce cups and top with coleslaw and pickles. These lettuce cups are a delicious and healthier option for BBQ lovers.
20of 20
Bún chả Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Steak, Shallots, Scallions, Garlic, Red
Bún chả is a popular Vietnamese dish that is perfect for serving in lettuce cups. Marinate diced pork in a mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic, then grill until fully cooked and slightly charred. Serve over vermicelli noodles with lettuce, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle with a sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. These lettuce cups are full of bold and fresh flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the pork filling:
1 pound ground pork
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemongrass, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the dipping sauce:
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
For serving:
1 head of butter lettuce
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped mint
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 lime, cut into wedges
Now that we have all the ingredients, let's get cooking!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pork filling:
In a bowl, mix together the ground pork, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lemongrass, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the pork mixture to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the dipping sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha (if using).
3. Assemble the lettuce cups:
Take a leaf of butter lettuce and place a spoonful of cooked rice in the center.
Add a spoonful of the pork filling on top of the rice.
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
Squeeze a wedge of lime on top.
Repeat with the remaining lettuce leaves and filling.
4. Enjoy!
Serve the lettuce cups with the dipping sauce on the side and enjoy this delicious and refreshing Vietnamese dish.
This Vietnamese pork lettuce cups recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The juicy and tender pork pairs perfectly with the fresh and crunchy lettuce, while the herbs and dipping sauce add an extra layer of complexity to the dish. Impress your loved ones with this easy and flavorful recipe that will transport them to the streets of Vietnam.