Here’s the secret to getting more greens in your weeknight diet: wrap your dinner in lettuce! These handheld wonders are savoury, tangy and pack just the right amount of crunch.
Banh Mi Meatball Lettuce Cups
1 t bsp vegetable oil
lettuce leaves, to serve
Kewpie mayonnaise* , to serve
Coconut Sriracha (find out where to buy here ) , to serve
c oriander (cilantro) leaves , to serve (optional)
Quick-pickle carrots:
2 carrot s , finely julienned
2 long red chilli, finely sliced
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
Meatballs:
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp milk
500g (1 lb) pork mince
3 garlic cloves, finely grated
3 spring onions, white and green parts finely sliced
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sea salt
- For the quick-pickle carrots, combine ingredients in a bowl and set aside, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Use your hands to squeeze the liquid from the chillies and carrot. Discard the liquid and set the vegetables aside for later.
- To make the pork balls, combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Allow to hydrate for 2-3 minutes. Then add the remaining meatball ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Heat oil in large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Roll walnut-sized meatballs and add them straight into the pan. Cook the meatballs (in batches if necessary), turning, for 5 minutes or until evenly browned and cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs with the quick-pickle carrots and lettuce leaves. Drizzle mayonnaise and Coconut Sriracha as desired. Top with coriander leaves if using.
- Notes: – Kewpie m ayonnaise is commonly found in the Asian aisle of most major supermarkets.
