These Mini Sang Choy Bow Lettuce Cups are a fresh, healthy twist on a classic favourite. Made with crisp cos lettuce and a flavour-packed filling, they’re quick, easy, and perfect as a light meal, party appetizer, or entertaining platter.

When you are making appetizers for a get together, small finger style food is perfect. It’s like eating a mini version of san choy bao from the Chinese restaurants. We also love this easy to pick up in one hand nibbles from our blog called Air Fryer Tempura Broccolini and Sweet Potato recipe. They would pair perfectly together. If you are serving sang choy bow recipe as a share plate you could also try it with these Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips.

When we’re asked to bring a plate, we almost always show up with an entrée because why not bring something a little different?

These mini sang choy bow lettuce cups are our go-to for fresh, healthy party food that gets people talking. They’re light, flavour-packed, and just the right amount of quirky, and are a stand out bite size appetizers on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s simple and quick to make and people generally love eating mini sang choy bow. Fair warning… they can get a little messy but that’s half the fun. Think hands-on, build-as-you-go, can’t-stop-at-one kind of vibe. If you’re on the hunt for easy entertaining ideas, Asian-inspired lettuce wraps, or bite-sized healthy appetizers that actually disappear fast, these little cups are always a hit. Plus they’re low carb and an easy dinner idea option. Winner Winner!

Recipe Ingredients

“You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing homemade Sang Choy Bow

Mince – We used ground pork (not lean pork mince) but you can use chicken, beef or turkey mince. (a tiny bit of fat in the mince keeps the mix moist)

Red capsicum – finely diced

Celery – finely chopped

Garlic – crushed and fresh is best

Mushrooms – Button are lovely and coarsely chopped

Sesame Oil – the flavour bomb!

Shallots – or Spring Onion

SAUCES – Oyster and soy.

Lettuce – Baby gem lettuce or small cos is best for this recipe. The outer leaves work best.

OPTIONAL – Changs Crunchy Noodles

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Lettuce : You can use whatever lettuce you have, though the firmer the lettuce cup will make it easier to eat as an appetizer. If eating as a meal use Iceberg lettuce if you prefer the taste. Butter lettuce is very soft and may not be great for pork lettuce wraps.

Gluten Free Options: Soy and oyster sauces come in gluten free options.

Meat Variations: Feel free to mix up the mince for whatever you prefer. Beef, Chicken or Turkey mince can be used too. Be mindful that the lower the fat content the drier the Sang Choy Bau recipe will be.

Sesame Oil: While you might want to swap out the sesame oil for olive oil or another oil type, it’s only 1 tablespoon and will make so much difference to the taste of the meal. (though if you don’t have it it’s totally fine)

Vegetarian Option – use firm tofu instead of beef or chicken mince

How to make Mini Chicken Sang Choy Bow Lettuce Cups STEP BY STEP

Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add mince stir fry until mince is browned all over.
Add the garlic and cook for a minute.

4. Add the capsicum (red pepper), celery, mushrooms and sauces, stir-fry until vegetables are just tender. (mix in the crunchy noodles here if adding)

5. Spoon onto lettuce leaves and garnish with slices of Spring onions and arrange on a platter ready to serve.

Recipe Tips

Wash…..your…lettuce leaves!

I’ve been caught biting into a scrumptious end bit of the lettuce when I feel this crunchy, grainy texture and tastes a bit like dirt!! Not good. Sandy soil left behind in the base of the lettuce. That’s what I get for rushing.

Crunchy Vegetables – are a great way to add texture to the lettuce cups. Keep them diced evenly and small around 3-4 mm to ensure they cook evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

The list here can be endless especially in a san choy bow recipe.

Water chestnuts – I’ve never used these but have eaten them at a Chinese restaurant. They are found in the traditional pork san choy bow and can be found in the Asian aisle in your grocery stores.

Soy Sauce can be substituted for a light soy sauce, gluten free.

Hoisin sauce while not always used in the chicken mince (if using) can add a bit of an alternative flavor. It’s all about taste and what you like.

Bamboo shoots, crushed peanuts and baby corn and green beans (chopped) are also great add on.

Storage and Reheating

How to Reheat? If you have any mince from the san choy bow leftover, just heat it up in a frypan or microwave. Only takes a minute or two.

FAQ BLOCK

The mince is a bit watery, is that ok? If there’s a bit of liquid in the bottom of the wok after cooking the san choy bow mince, that can be pretty normal. Allow for the meat to cool slightly as that can absorb some of the excess pan juices. If you are adding the crispy noodles they often will take on some of the liquid as well. If you prefer you can drain off some of the liquid before spooning onto the cos lettuce leaves.

Need some salad ideas with 7 ingredients or less? Grab our Free Salad eBook below.

(just click here or on the image below)

Rate the recipe

I hope you love this Mini Sang Choy Bow Lettuce Cups If you make it, be sure to leave a rating so I know how you liked it!

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