Chicken and Vegetable Filling
A savory, light filling with minced chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and colorful vegetables. Seasoned with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, it's perfect for lettuce wraps or dumplings, made with minimal sodium.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the sauce and aromatics
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- c.Finely dice the carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- d.Slice the scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the chicken and aromatics
- b.Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the vegetables
- b.Add the diced carrots and chopped mushrooms to the skillet.
- c.Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- d.Stir in the chopped water chestnuts.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and finish the filling
- b.Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and rice vinegar. Season with white pepper and stir to combine.
- c.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the filling.
- d.Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the scallions.
- e.Serve warm as a filling for lettuce wraps, spring rolls, or dumplings.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, chop all vegetables to a similar small size.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Use a large skillet or wok to ensure the ingredients stir-fry rather than steam.
- 3This filling is perfect for meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 4Serve in crisp lettuce cups (like iceberg or butter lettuce) for a classic, healthy meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground chicken with 1 lb of crumbled firm tofu or an equal amount of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts.
gluten freeGluten free
Ensure you use a certified gluten-free tamari instead of low-sodium soy sauce.
quickQuick
Use a bag of pre-shredded carrots or coleslaw mix (without dressing) to save on chopping time.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/2 cup of shelled edamame along with the other vegetables for an extra protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Ground chicken provides high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle repair and building, while being lower in saturated fat.
Low in Sodium
This recipe is specifically designed to be low in sodium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
The variety of vegetables like carrots and mushrooms offers essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
Flavorful Without Salt
Using aromatics like ginger and garlic provides a burst of flavor, reducing the need for added salt.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from chicken and vitamins from a variety of vegetables. Being low in sodium makes it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet.