Time for Thai

I have a friend who makes frequent trips to the Farmer's Market near where he lives.  One time he brought me a great assortment of spices to try out.  One of them was simply called "Thai Spice".  Being that I am a HUGE lover of Thai food, I immediately decided that I was going to cook something that very weekend with the Thai Spice.

It just so happens that he also brought me some amazing lettuce from his own garden.  The leaves we big and fluffy and so flavorful.  So, of course, I decided that I should make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps.  I'd be able to use that oh so tasty Thai Spice and the beautiful lettuce as well.

Now, I've eaten a million lettuce wraps in various Thai restaurants in my life.  Every one was good.  Some were better than others.  So, I knew in my head what i wanted my lettuce wraps to taste like.  And I knew basically what went into them.  So I sat down and made up a recipe.

Fortunately, it turned out pretty darn good.  Especially with the peanut sauce I made to dip them in.

Please note . . . since I made this up, there are no real exact measurements.  Just eyeball it and go with your own personal taste on the chicken.  But you'll have to be a little more precise on the peanut sauce.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:


CHICKEN

• Sesame oil
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Thai Spice mix
• Green onions
• Garlic cloves, diced
• Matchstick carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh Ginger, shredded
• Lime

PEANUT SAUCE

• Peanut butter
• Water
• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce

GARNISH

• Lettuce
• Mint
• Basil
• Cilantro

1. Lightly process the chick in a food processor so that it is in small pieces.
2. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok.  Add the chicken and Thai Spice.
3. Cut green onions in diagonal strips and add to the pan along with the diced garlic.
4. Add the matchstick carrots, bean sprouts and fresh ginger.
5. When the chicken is just about done, squeeze the juice of one lime into the pan.
6. Remove chicken from the stove, place in a bowl and set aside to rest.
7. In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce.  Stir over medium heat until smooth.

That's all there is to it.

Next, just lay out a large lettuce leaf, add your chicken mixture, throw on some fresh basil, mint and cilantro, wrap the lettuce around the filling, dip in peanut sauce, and ENJOY!!!

Nothing beats the taste (and texture) of the fresh herbs in this dish.

Great finger food to serve on a buffet or at a party.