San Choy Bau is a delicious and refreshing Chinese dish consisting of stir-fried minced meat served in crisp lettuce cups. This dish is light, flavorful, and packed with texture, making it a perfect appetizer or a satisfying main for those looking for something low-carb but still full of flavor.
The filling typically includes minced pork, chicken, or turkey, stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and green onions for an aromatic base. Crunchy water chestnuts, carrots, and mushrooms are often added to give the mixture texture and balance. The savory sauce is a combination of soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil, bringing salty, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors together in every bite.
The beauty of San Choy Bau is how the warm, savory filling contrasts with the cool, crisp lettuce leaves. Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce works perfectly, providing a refreshing crunch that holds the filling like a little edible bowl. Once assembled, each bite delivers a perfect balance of juicy meat, crisp veggies, and vibrant flavors.
For a bit of extra flavor and crunch, toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint can be sprinkled over the top. A squeeze of lime or a splash of chili sauce adds brightness and a touch of heat if desired.
San Choy Bau is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It is also versatile – you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the meat for tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
Pair this dish with a cold beer, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lime to complement its fresh and savory flavors.
Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, San Choy Bau is a dish that never disappoints. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, it is always a crowd-pleaser thanks to its mix of textures and punchy, delicious flavors.

Ingredients
- 500 g chicken mince Can be substituted with pork or beef mince
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger finely chopped
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 can water chestnuts drained and chopped
- 1 bunch spring onions finely chopped
- 8 leaves lettuce Iceberg or butterhead, washed and dried
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken mince to the pan and cook until browned, breaking up the mince with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the chopped water chestnuts and half of the chopped spring onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another couple of minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and spoon the mixture into the lettuce cups, dividing it evenly.
- Garnish with the remaining spring onions. Serve immediately.
Never heard of this dish, but I tried it and it’s yum! 😋
These were amazing! I made them for dinner and my family loved them. Will definitely make again!
Yum! But why is it called San Choy Bau? Sounds funny but even better, tastes good.
delicious, but why do we use lettuce? Can’t we just eat it in a bowl??
Too much chopping involved! I’m lazy, just give me a burger next time!
Delicious and healthy! I’m gonna make it for my lunch again tomorrow!
Easy and quick! My kids loved it, especially wrapping it in the lettuce. Will make it again!
Took forever to make and honestly, it was just okay. I expected more flavor.
I thought it was pretty good! Maybe you just didn’t season it enough? We loved it.
I had to make some adjustments because I didn’t have oyster sauce, but it still turned out good.
This was amazing! So fresh and tasty, my family loved it!
Yum! I added some chili flakes for kick. Will definitely make again!
I substituted the chicken with beef and it turned out great! Tasted just right 😊
Wait, beef?! Isn’t that kinda weird for San Choy Bau? 🤔 But if you liked it, that’s cool, I guess.
I’ve always thought beef would be too strong for this dish, but I’m glad it worked for you! Might give it a try.
So simple! Just sauté and serve. Can’t mess that up. I added some chili for heat.
Sounds amazing! I love the idea of adding chili for some spice. Can’t wait to try it!
This dish is sooo good! Easy to make and tastes amazing. Family loved it!
Good recipe, but I used canned chicken instead! Wasn’t as good but saved time. Maybe I did it wrong?
Is this really a recipe? Just shoved meat in lettuce, what’s the point?
It’s not just meat in lettuce! The flavors work together really well. You should give it a try before judging!
I don’t know, it seemed kinda bland to me. Needed more flavor! 🤷♂️
I totally get that! I added some chopped chili and it really kicked it up a notch. 🌶️
Bland? Nah, it was great! It’s supposed to be light and fresh, just like a salad! 🥗
Lettuce instead of taco shells? Yeah right.
I think it’s a great idea! Lettuce is crunchy and healthy. Can’t wait to try it!
Nah, lettuce for taco shells? That’s just weird. Tacos need a shell, don’t they?
Me and my kids just couldn’t finish this, it was too watery. Needed more flavor. 🤷♂️
I don’t like water chestnuts, so I left them out. Not sure if that was a good idea.
This recipe is great! So fresh and tasty. I used pork and it turned out amazing.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Pork sounds like a delicious twist on this recipe. I might try that next time! 😋
I don’t know… it sounds too easy. Is it really that good? I always thought make real food takes work. 🤔
This is a fantastic recipe! The flavors are incredible. I added some chili for a kick! 🍜
Made this for my partner and they loved it!! Thanks for sharing!
I tried it with beef and it was a disaster. Way too greasy.
This was so good! My kids loved it!
Glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s a hit at my house too.
Eh, it was okay. I expected more. Lettuce is just lettuce.
Why do you use chicken? Pork is way better for this dish if you ask me.
Yum! My kids loved it, and it’s so easy to make. Will definitely do again! 👍
Never heard of san choy bau before. Not my fav, but some of my friends say is good.
Is water chestnut necessary? I can’t find it in my store, can I skip it?
Loved it! Best San Choy Bau I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a lot. Will share the recipe! 😍
San Choy Bau rocks! So easy and super healthy! ✅
Absolutely agree! It’s such a quick and tasty meal to whip up. I make it all the time! 😋
Sounds good, but I wonder if you could make it with tofu instead of chicken? Anyone tried that?
I found the chicken mince a bit bland, maybe add more spices next time.
Totally agree! I added chili flakes and it made a big difference. Give that a try! 🌶️
Very tasty! But I think it’s a bit too much sauce. Maybe less soy sauce next time? 😅
Why use chicken? Pork is way better for this kind of dish.
I used pork instead of chicken and it turned out pretty good! Who knew? 4 stars!
That’s awesome! Pork can add a nice flavor. I’m gonna try that too!
Meh… just okay. I’ve had better dishes at restaurants, maybe I’m just picky.
Sounds good but kinda scared of using oyster sauce. Any substitute? 🤷♀️
This was okay, but my chicken came out a bit dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? 🤔
Maybe try cooking it for a shorter time next time? Chicken can dry out quickly. 😅
Nasty! Didn’t like the sauce at all. I think this is a flop. 1 star.
Eh, didn’t work for me. The flavors were just too much. I like my food simple.
I can see how it might be too much for some! Have you tried just using less sauce? It can help tone down the flavors.
I thought it was gonna be hard but it was easy!!! I feel like a chef now 😂
Tried it and wasn’t a fan. The flavors didn’t really come together for me. 🤔
Instructions were confusing!! I wasn’t sure if I should cover the pan or not. Ended up burnt. A little help please!
Why would someone put water chestnuts in chicken? That’s just weird..
San Choy Bau? More like San Choy Wow! I’m impressed!
Thank you! I always thought it was a little tricky, but your enthusiasm makes me want to try it!
I mixed up the soy and sesame oil! Still turned out good tho haha!
My kids enjoyed it! Although they thought it was funny to eat with lettuce. 😂
This was super easy and quick! Perfect for busy weeknights. 💖
Absolutely loved this recipe! So easy and delicious. Will definitely be making it again! 😍
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This dish is one of my favorites too! 🥬
Looks good, but there’s no way it’ll be as tasty as my mom’s version! She adds chili! 😆
Why do we need ginger? What does that even do? Didn’t taste it. Only 3 for me.
I never taste it either. Doesn’t do much, just fancy spice. I just skip it.
Ginger adds flavor and a bit of heat! It’s good for digestion too. Maybe you just didn’t notice it this time?
I messed up the cooking time and burnt the garlic… would not recommend
I always burn my garlic too! 😂 Maybe try cooking it on lower heat. The rest sounds yum though.
Burnt garlic ruins everything! You should try again and keep an eye on it next time. This recipe is too good to give up on!
Pretty easy to make, but I didn’t have oyster sauce so I used BBQ instead. Not the same…
Yum! Can I use shrimp instead of meat? 🤔
I dunno, seems kinda bland. I think you need more spice or something. 🤷
This is a game changer! My kids loved it! Will definitely make again. 👍
I dunno, lettuce wraps seem kinda messy to me. How do you eat them without stuff falling everywhere? 🤔
I’m so glad your kids loved it! This recipe is a winner for family dinners. 🥳
I didn’t have oyster sauce, used BBQ sauce instead. Still worked out ok.