Kimchi Chicken Lettuce Wraps

By Alexa Weibel

Updated October 11, 2023

  • Nico Schinco for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
25 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(1,430)
Comments
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For the fastest path to deliciousness, select ingredients that punch above their weight. This weeknight recipe leans on just five primary ingredients — ground chicken, lettuce and rice form the foundation; kimchi adds depth and hoisin lends sweetness — for a fresh spread that cooks in just 15 minutes. Bracing and assertive, kimchi doesn’t slip into this dish; it dominates. Though each jar of kimchi is unique, its salty, spicy and tangy notes reign. You’ll cook off a portion of the chopped fermented cabbage with the chicken, taming its taste and texture, then use the remainder as a garnish. To offset kimchi’s assertiveness, the chicken is glazed with hoisin sauce, which adds sweetness, color and glossiness. Set the chicken mixture, kimchi, lettuce and rice in separate bowls for tableside assembly — less work for the cook, more fun for the guests.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 1 ½ tightly packed cups store-bought or homemade kimchi (about 10 ounces)

  • 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

  • 1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)

  • Salt and black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, plus more for serving

  • Lettuce leaves (preferably 2 heads bibb lettuce or 1 large head red-leaf lettuce)

  • 3 to 4 cups warm cooked short-grain rice

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

145 grams carbs; 98 milligrams cholesterol; 889 calories; 10 grams monosaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 18 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 875 milligrams sodium; 33 grams protein; 4 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Finely chop the kimchi (or pulse in a food processor); transfer about two-thirds to a small serving bowl, reserving the remainder for the chicken.

  2. Step 2

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, crumbling it occasionally with a spoon, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the hoisin sauce and then the reserved kimchi, and stir occasionally until chicken is glossy and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chicken mixture, lettuce leaves and rice to separate serving bowls. Assemble lettuce wraps by first adding a spoonful of rice, then chicken mixture and then kimchi; devour swiftly. Serve with more hoisin, if desired, for extra sweetness.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
1,430 user ratings
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Comments

Duxnpux

The key to this dish is ingredients-all of which are mercurial, and flexibility. If you are rigid recipe follower looking for a 5 star result, back away and query another dish. Forgive the author if it doesn’t suit you and adjust. This is a quick-to-assemble, healthy weeknight dinner. Depending on the brand of hoisin sauce you choose, it may be sweeter or more savory, likewise with the kimchi it may be spicier, more or less acidic, or in need of an herbal note like cilantro. Be grateful.

tyler

Was a wonderful way to repurpose leftover chicken. I added toasted cashews and cilantro for color and crunch. Delicious

IreneM

Used the recipe as written except I squeezed lime on the wrap. It was too sweet for me. Next time I will add onions and jalapeños to the chicken and use only 2 tablespoons of hoisin and keep the addition of lime juice.

Kiwi in the Kitchen

Perfect as is! Can’t believe how easy it was to make. Will definitely add some water chestnuts for crunch next time as others have suggested and/or serve with chopped peanuts on top.

Henrietta

I subbed farro for the rice and we loved the nutty crunchy elements it added. Yummy.

A PERFECT WEEKNIGHT MEAL

This was so easy (doesn't require a lot of ingredients), fast (the rice takes the most time), and tasty, while also little touches like green onions, cilantro or other add-ins of your choice can really elevate the meal. I'll double the amount next time and will consider adding lime, hot sauce, and maybe some sort of toasted nuts on top. Definitely a new staple!

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