Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
GUYS! It's TACO TUESDAY.
Okay, fine - technically it's Lettuce Wrap Tuesday, but lettuce wraps are little foldy handheld bundles of joy - just like tacos, and I don't think we should discriminate just because their container is made of lettuce instead of wheat or corn.
Taco Tuesday just has a ring to it that we can't deny. Alliteration, for the win!
The last time Kyle and I ate at a Mexican restaurant it just so happened to be Taco Tuesday - they had some wild special for $2 tacos or something like that and Kyle ordered up a whole pile of them. I ordered some fajitas - and let's face it - fajitas and tacos are almost the same thing, except fajitas require manual labor before it's time to eat them (plus they come with some other fun, sizzling veggies). So, I was part of the Taco Tuesday celebraish, too - except I had to work a little harder for my dinner.
The only problemo with a traditional Taco (Fajita) Tuesday like this is that no matter how much I eat, I never feel amazing when I'm done with my meal. There always ends up being a liiittle too much sour cream and cheese added into the mix which tastes delicious, but ends up being no bueno for my belly and my energy levels. And since feeling like it's necessary to take a nap after my meal isn't my idea of a good time, but taking part in fun themed days like Taco Tuesday is - I decided to put a fun, feel-good spin on these babies.
These aren't only the most colorful (i.e. nutrient dense) lettuce wraps you'll probably ever see - they are absolute FLAVOR BOMBS and your tastebuds won't know what hit 'em (in a good way). They also travel incredibly well and are amazing at any temperature.
See those pickled carrots and cabbage on the top? That little sprinkling of purple and orange confetti? Those don't require a long, drawn out pickling process (not that there's anything wrong with that - just highlighting the convenience of these) - and they're ready to eat in as little as 30 min. I also cut out some prep time on those by buying them pre-shredded at the Whole Foods salad bar.These are packed-to-the-brim with nutrients, full of texture, fun to eat, and leave you feeling pleasantly full while simultaneously full of energy. What more could you ask of Taco Tuesday?
IT'S TACO (LETTUCE WRAP) TIME!
Serves 2-3
Ingredients: (Always organic, if possible)
1/2 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 shallot, chopped
1/3 cup cashews, chopped
3 tbsp hoisin sauce (try this for a clean, easy homemade version)
1/3 cup chicken broth (or more, if needed)
1 head bibb lettuce
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
3/4 cup ACV (apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp raw honey
3 tbsp green onions, chopped
Directions:
Whisk ACV, honey, salt and pep together in a bowl, then add shredded carrots + cabbage.
Mix well and set aside. Let sit at room temp for at least 30 min.
Add avocado oil to a pan on medium heat and add shallots.
Once shallots being to caramelize, add chicken, cashews, hoisin, and chicken broth - mix together and season with a pinch of salt and pep.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until mixture is hot and extra broth has evaporated, then turn off heat.
Spoon mixture into individual lettuce leafs, top with pickled carrot + cabbage mixture + green onions.
Get your lettuce wrap on! (You could also set this up fajita style and let everyone build their own.)
Health Benefits:
Chicken (Organic, Pasture-Raised):
Rich in protein
Supports muscle development
High in vitamins and minerals like: B3, B6, B12, selenium, phosphorus, and choline.
Cashews:
High in antioxidants
Supports cardiovascular health
Helps reduce triglyceride levels
Boosts energy
Regulates nerves
Develops bones and connective tissue
Encourages collagen production
Shallots:
High in antioxidants
Boosts immune system
Supports bone and tissue growth
Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal
Protects against cancer and diabetes
Optimizes red blood cell function
Regulates blood pressure
Aids digestion
Promotes healthy skin
Supports cardiovascular health
Stimulates hair growth
Carrots:
High in antioxidants
Supports eye health
Protects against cancer
Promotes healthy skin
Supports cardiovascular health
Protects gums and teeth
Detoxifies body and supports liver
Helps prevent cognitive decline
Purple Cabbage:
High in antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces risk of cancer
Supports digestive health
Helps heal stomach ulcers
Promotes cardiovascular health
Green Onions:
Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal
Boosts respiratory health
Regulates blood sugar + pressure
Supports digestive health
Reduces risk of cancer
Supports eye health
Improves bone density
Bibb Lettuce:
Supports eye health
Promotes healthy skin
Helps increase bone density
Helps prevent cognitive decline
Boosts immune system
Facilitates red blood cell production
High in antioxidants
Reduces risk of cancer
Raw Local Honey:
High antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Improves digestion
Helps to prevent seasonal allergies
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fingal
Anti-viral
Suppresses coughs