2tablespoonsOildivided (1 tablespoon for the sauce and 1 tablespoon to brown the ground pork) Use a neutral (flavorless) oil with a high smoke point – we use canola oil.
1poundGround Pork
½teaspoonSaltwe use kosher salt
¼teaspoonBlack Pepper
1-2tablespoonGreen Onionssliced
7-8ouncesGreen Leaf Lettucebutter, Boston, Bibb lettuce work well, rinsed and patted dry
1Small Carrotshredded (for serving)
¼cupChopped Peanutsfor serving
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
Combine the water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger powder, crushed red pepper (if using) and 1 tablespoon oil in a small jar or bowl. Mix the sauce well with a whisk or fork.
Cook the pork filling
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and arrange it in one layer.
Cook the pork for 3-4 minutes. Turn it in sections so that the browned side is up and cook another 3-4 minutes to brown on both sides.
Stir the pork with a wooden spoon or spatula and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes while stirring and breaking up any large pieces as you go.
Add the sauce to the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low (but keep the pork sizzling, lower or raise the heat as needed). Continue cooking the pork for approximately 5 minutes until cooked through (there should be no pink) and the sauce reduces and is absorbed by the meat. Stir frequently.
Stir in the green onions, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pork to cool.
Serve the ground pork in the lettuce cups. The amount of pork to add will depend on the size of each lettuce leaf. Top with a pinch of shredded carrots and a few pieces of chopped peanuts. Enjoy!
Notes
Before building the lettuce wraps let the meat cool some. If the meat is too warm it will wilt the lettuce and it could tear.