Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps

We started making this for dinner at least a year ago after we had the lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang's for an appetizer. Their lettuce wraps are really good but my variation is easy and doesn't require a lot of ingredients or time. If you like Asian meals this it is a good alternative to the sometimes boring stir-fry. Plus it is very versatile, you can use any type of ground meat and any combination of vegetables you want. We enjoy to assemble them at the table and have jasmine rice on the side.

Ingredients:
1 Head of Iceberg Lettuce
1 lb Ground Lean Turkey or Meat of your preference
1 Red Pepper - Diced
1 Small of Can Water Chestnuts -Diced
1/2 Onion - Diced
1/4 Cup Teriyaki Sauce
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1/4 Cup of Water
1 Box Jasmine Rice

Adapted from Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine September 2009

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a pan on high. Once the oil is heated add the meat. Allow it to cook and break it up using a wooden spoon. While the meat is cooking you can begin to prepare your rice according to the package. After about 5 minutes the meat should be browned. If you are using beef or pork you may want to drain some of the fat from your pan. Since I used lean turkey I didn't need to.

Add the vegetables you have chosen (other possible ideas could be green pepper, carrot, scallion, etc). Next add the 1/4 cup of water this will allow the veggies to soften as they cook. Turn the heat down to medium. Cook, covered for 4 min. Lastly mix in the teriyaki sauce and cook, stirring occasionly for another 4 minutes.

While the meat and veggies are cooking you can begin to prepare your lettuce wraps. Under running water in the sink, wash the head of lettuce and discard the first leaf or two. Carefully peel off each leaf, wash it off and set it aside. Gently using a paper towl pat dry all of the leaves you've chosen to use.  I'm sure most of you know as you get down closer to the center of the head the leaves are smaller, white and more crunchy so you want to use the leaves closer to the outside since they will be bigger and more leafy.

Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into the lettuce wrap, fold or roll the lettuce so the filling doesn't fall out and serve.

Enjoy!! - Nicole