Rating: 3.60
(84)

San Choy Bau

November 29, 2024

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.

San Choy Bau
San Choy Bau
3.60 from 84 votes
San Choy Bau is a delicious and refreshing Chinese dish consisting of stir-fried minced meat served in crisp lettuce cups.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 150kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: appetizer, chinese cuisine, healthy eating
Cooking Method: Roasted
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar miles.wunsch says:

    5 stars
    Never heard of this dish, but I tried it and it’s yum! 😋

  2. 5 stars
    These were amazing! I made them for dinner and my family loved them. Will definitely make again!

  3. 5 stars
    Yum! But why is it called San Choy Bau? Sounds funny but even better, tastes good.

  4. User avatar Ermelinda Wolf says:

    4 stars
    delicious, but why do we use lettuce? Can’t we just eat it in a bowl??

  5. User avatar otis.waelchi50 says:

    2 stars
    Too much chopping involved! I’m lazy, just give me a burger next time!

  6. User avatar belva.emmerich1989 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and healthy! I’m gonna make it for my lunch again tomorrow!

  7. User avatar charlie.pfeffer says:

    4 stars
    Easy and quick! My kids loved it, especially wrapping it in the lettuce. Will make it again!

  8. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    2 stars
    Took forever to make and honestly, it was just okay. I expected more flavor.

    1. User avatar louisa.altenwerth says:

      4 stars
      I thought it was pretty good! Maybe you just didn’t season it enough? We loved it.

  9. User avatar elijah.padberg1967 says:

    4 stars
    I had to make some adjustments because I didn’t have oyster sauce, but it still turned out good.

  10. User avatar Deku Royalty says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! So fresh and tasty, my family loved it!

  11. 5 stars
    Yum! I added some chili flakes for kick. Will definitely make again!

  12. User avatar debora.shields says:

    5 stars
    I substituted the chicken with beef and it turned out great! Tasted just right 😊

    1. User avatar gilberto.ritchie58 says:

      2 stars
      Wait, beef?! Isn’t that kinda weird for San Choy Bau? 🤔 But if you liked it, that’s cool, I guess.

    2. User avatar kenyatta.blick47 says:

      4 stars
      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.

  13. User avatar galen.deckow36 says:

    4 stars
    So simple! Just sauté and serve. Can’t mess that up. I added some chili for heat.

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds amazing! I love the idea of adding chili for some spice. Can’t wait to try it!

  14. User avatar stormy.damore59 says:

    5 stars
    This dish is sooo good! Easy to make and tastes amazing. Family loved it!

  15. User avatar Lunkwill and Fook says:

    3 stars
    Good recipe, but I used canned chicken instead! Wasn’t as good but saved time. Maybe I did it wrong?

  16. 1 star
    Is this really a recipe? Just shoved meat in lettuce, what’s the point?

    1. User avatar sherice.rogahn1997 says:

      4 stars
      It’s not just meat in lettuce! The flavors work together really well. You should give it a try before judging!

  17. User avatar will.gerlach says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, it seemed kinda bland to me. Needed more flavor! 🤷‍♂️

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get that! I added some chopped chili and it really kicked it up a notch. 🌶️

    2. 2 stars
      Bland? Nah, it was great! It’s supposed to be light and fresh, just like a salad! 🥗

  18. User avatar timothy.labadie says:

    1 star
    Lettuce instead of taco shells? Yeah right.

    1. User avatar patria.torphy says:

      5 stars
      I think it’s a great idea! Lettuce is crunchy and healthy. Can’t wait to try it!

    2. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

      2 stars
      Nah, lettuce for taco shells? That’s just weird. Tacos need a shell, don’t they?

  19. User avatar alan.schaefer78 says:

    2 stars
    Me and my kids just couldn’t finish this, it was too watery. Needed more flavor. 🤷‍♂️

  20. User avatar billie.wintheiser says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like water chestnuts, so I left them out. Not sure if that was a good idea.

  21. User avatar barrett.wolff67 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is great! So fresh and tasty. I used pork and it turned out amazing.

    1. User avatar jacqui.keebler26 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Pork sounds like a delicious twist on this recipe. I might try that next time! 😋

    2. User avatar sharice.mcdermott says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know… it sounds too easy. Is it really that good? I always thought make real food takes work. 🤔

  22. User avatar janiece.jakubowski says:

    5 stars
    This is a fantastic recipe! The flavors are incredible. I added some chili for a kick! 🍜

  23. User avatar jean.mueller11 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for my partner and they loved it!! Thanks for sharing!

  24. User avatar yon.bernier1957 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it with beef and it was a disaster. Way too greasy.

  25. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    5 stars
    This was so good! My kids loved it!

    1. User avatar elmo.christiansen71 says:

      5 stars
      Glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s a hit at my house too.

  26. User avatar johnetta.kuhic says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. I expected more. Lettuce is just lettuce.

  27. User avatar karolyn.simonis55 says:

    3 stars
    Why do you use chicken? Pork is way better for this dish if you ask me.

  28. 4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved it, and it’s so easy to make. Will definitely do again! 👍

  29. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    2 stars
    Never heard of san choy bau before. Not my fav, but some of my friends say is good.

  30. User avatar florence.mcglynn36 says:

    2 stars
    Is water chestnut necessary? I can’t find it in my store, can I skip it?

  31. User avatar Draugr Wight says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! Best San Choy Bau I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a lot. Will share the recipe! 😍

  32. User avatar bethanie.jones65 says:

    5 stars
    San Choy Bau rocks! So easy and super healthy! ✅

    1. 5 stars
      Absolutely agree! It’s such a quick and tasty meal to whip up. I make it all the time! 😋

    2. User avatar laticia.wisozk says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but I wonder if you could make it with tofu instead of chicken? Anyone tried that?

  33. User avatar Miss Brendon Schmitt says:

    3 stars
    I found the chicken mince a bit bland, maybe add more spices next time.

    1. User avatar loriann.kassulke says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! I added chili flakes and it made a big difference. Give that a try! 🌶️

  34. User avatar eusebia.hoeger says:

    4 stars
    Very tasty! But I think it’s a bit too much sauce. Maybe less soy sauce next time? 😅

  35. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

    3 stars
    Why use chicken? Pork is way better for this kind of dish.

  36. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    4 stars
    I used pork instead of chicken and it turned out pretty good! Who knew? 4 stars!

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! Pork can add a nice flavor. I’m gonna try that too!

  37. 3 stars
    Meh… just okay. I’ve had better dishes at restaurants, maybe I’m just picky.

  38. User avatar gary.kshlerin says:

    1 star
    Sounds good but kinda scared of using oyster sauce. Any substitute? 🤷‍♀️

  39. User avatar tracy.rice1998 says:

    3 stars
    This was okay, but my chicken came out a bit dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? 🤔

    1. User avatar loyce.leannon says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try cooking it for a shorter time next time? Chicken can dry out quickly. 😅

  40. User avatar tawanda.bauch44 says:

    1 star
    Nasty! Didn’t like the sauce at all. I think this is a flop. 1 star.

  41. User avatar fidela.mante16 says:

    1 star
    Eh, didn’t work for me. The flavors were just too much. I like my food simple.

    1. 4 stars
      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.

  42. User avatar glenn.jacobs1976 says:

    4 stars
    I thought it was gonna be hard but it was easy!!! I feel like a chef now 😂

  43. User avatar johana.west says:

    2 stars
    Tried it and wasn’t a fan. The flavors didn’t really come together for me. 🤔

  44. User avatar renetta.upton says:

    2 stars
    Instructions were confusing!! I wasn’t sure if I should cover the pan or not. Ended up burnt. A little help please!

  45. User avatar benedict.collier1993 says:

    1 star
    Why would someone put water chestnuts in chicken? That’s just weird..

  46. 5 stars
    San Choy Bau? More like San Choy Wow! I’m impressed!

    1. User avatar wilton.wolf92 says:

      5 stars
      Thank you! I always thought it was a little tricky, but your enthusiasm makes me want to try it!

  47. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    4 stars
    I mixed up the soy and sesame oil! Still turned out good tho haha!

  48. 4 stars
    My kids enjoyed it! Although they thought it was funny to eat with lettuce. 😂

  49. User avatar ingrid.schimmel98 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy and quick! Perfect for busy weeknights. 💖

  50. User avatar steve.christiansen5 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! So easy and delicious. Will definitely be making it again! 😍

    1. User avatar Falmer Archer says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This dish is one of my favorites too! 🥬

    2. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but there’s no way it’ll be as tasty as my mom’s version! She adds chili! 😆

  51. 3 stars
    Why do we need ginger? What does that even do? Didn’t taste it. Only 3 for me.

    1. User avatar lisha.wolff4 says:

      2 stars
      I never taste it either. Doesn’t do much, just fancy spice. I just skip it.

    2. 4 stars
      Ginger adds flavor and a bit of heat! It’s good for digestion too. Maybe you just didn’t notice it this time?

  52. User avatar kyong.smith94 says:

    2 stars
    I messed up the cooking time and burnt the garlic… would not recommend

    1. User avatar jayson.waelchi34 says:

      3 stars
      I always burn my garlic too! 😂 Maybe try cooking it on lower heat. The rest sounds yum though.

    2. 4 stars
      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!

  53. User avatar Gaius Helen Mohiam says:

    3 stars
    Pretty easy to make, but I didn’t have oyster sauce so I used BBQ instead. Not the same…

  54. User avatar aundrea.weimann5 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Can I use shrimp instead of meat? 🤔

  55. 2 stars
    I dunno, seems kinda bland. I think you need more spice or something. 🤷

  56. User avatar magaly.waelchi1993 says:

    5 stars
    This is a game changer! My kids loved it! Will definitely make again. 👍

    1. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, lettuce wraps seem kinda messy to me. How do you eat them without stuff falling everywhere? 🤔

    2. User avatar hiroko.kuhlman80 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad your kids loved it! This recipe is a winner for family dinners. 🥳

  57. User avatar nelson.fisher says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have oyster sauce, used BBQ sauce instead. Still worked out ok.

3.60 from 84 votes
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