Saturday, May 1, 2010

Lettuce Wraps with Sriracha-Honey Beef


PF Chang's restaurant chain undoubtedly has one of the most popular versions of lettuce wraps around. Even though I have had it only once, a very long time ago, it still left an impression. I'm not sure if they created the concept but it's genius; such a simple way to bypass traditional carbohydrate-rich wheat wraps.

Lettuce wraps are a great sumer food. Light, easy to make and relatively healthy. My version uses lean beef but this sweet and sour marinade can be used for chicken, pork or even tofu. Sriracha sauce is a lovely addition to meats; I use it frequently in stews too. The one quarter cup used here might prove too spicy for many; if so, use less of it. The honey also nicely offsets the spiciness of the sauce.


Lettuce Wraps with Sriracha-Honey Beef
Serves 3 to 4

1 1/2 to 2 lbs lean beef, sliced thinly
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp red wine
12 to 16 large butter or bibb lettuce leaves

1. Combine sriracha sauce, honey, garlic, lemon juice, and red wine. Add to the beef. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least half an hour, an hour at best.
2. Set a skillet (one that is large enough to accomodate all of the meat) over medium high heat. Add the meat, together with the marinade and all, to the skillet. Cook until all of the liquid has evoprated and the meat begins to brown slightly, about 10 minutes.
3. Serve the cooked beef in the lettuce cups, as shown in the photo above.

10 comments:

Marina said...

yummm!!!
these were sooo good!

Natasha said...

You're welcome my dear!

Lazaro Cooks said...

Fantastic photos. Love the flavors at work here. The lettuce makes a nice wrapper. 10 out of 10...Cheers!

Sook said...

I sure love lettuce wraps! I feel healthier whenever I prepare these! Yummy!

akeeta said...

most def gonna try dese...... :)

Natasha said...

Lazaro,
You like the photo?! Thanks! I wasn't too sure about it. Out of many shots, this was the best. Thanks for boosting my confidence in my quasi-photography skills.

Sook,
Me too. Bibb or butter lettuce leaves are such a good substitute for regular wraps in most things.

Akeeta,
Hello! Thanks for visiting; come back often!

Tristan said...

This is completely new to me - looks real good. You're helping me usher in the summer reading about this *cool* dish. Guinness Stout Punch helps too.

Natasha said...

Tristan,
Glad I can be of some assistance. There are so many fresh and easily available ingredients during the summer months that it's almost a waste not to make use of them. And the guinness punch is a good summer cocktail too.
N.

Natasha said...

Hi Sophie dear,
Sriracha sauce is an American-made chili sauce. Originally created as a condiment to Asian-American cuisine, it has become popular across many types of cooking. Here is a link with more information: http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm
Good weekend to you!
N.

Anonymous said...

Is this ground beef?