San Choy Bao

I don't know anyone who doesn't like San Choy Bao, there is something about the tasty slightly sweet meat and the refreshing taste of the lettuce cup that just hits the spot. This is my version, I love to serve this as a starter for an Asian themed dinner party or as a light lunch when I have my girlfriends over.

The filling
* The mince of 2 chicken breasts (approx. 500g)
* 2 teaspoons of vegetable or sesame oil
* 1 Red Chilli finely chopped
* A handful of chopped coriander
* 2 cloves of crushed garlic
* A handful of chopped spring onions
* 1 finely diced Spanish onion
* 1 finely diced small red pepper
* 1 tin water chestnuts finely diced
* 1 table spoon of soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon of sweet chilli sauce
* 1 table spoon of oyster sauce

The cups
* 4 baby gem lettuces or mini Witloff lettuces

Put oil in a hot pan then add all the herbs, spices and vegetables and cook till becoming fragrant, then add your minced chicken and toss around ingredients till covered and browning. Finally add the water chestnut, sweet chilli, soy and oyster sauce and stir till mixture has reduced.

Finishing touches
*4 Baby Gem or mini Witloff Lettuces separated into cups
* 2 limes cut into 1/8’s
* Crushed roasted cashews
* 200g bag bean sprouts

Empty portions of the chicken mixture into lettuce cup and arrange on platter or plates.

To the side have a bowl of cashews, lime wedges and bean sprout for people to add their own garnish to taste.

Note: I have used Chicken here but they taste equally good using Pork or Prawns