Name: Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ripe mango, thinly sliced; 2 cups thinly shredded purple cabbage; ½ cup packed cilantro, roughly chopped; 2 green onions, whites and tender green parts thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (like sriracha); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (like sriracha); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 pound ground chicken; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos; 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs (optional, can be omitted); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 green onions, whites and tender green parts thinly sliced; 5 ounces butter lettuce; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional); Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you are looking for a dish that packs a punch of fresh, vibrant flavors while being surprisingly easy to whip up, the Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw Recipe is a game changer. Juicy chicken meatballs glazed in a savory-sweet sauce nestle perfectly in crisp butter lettuce leaves, topped with a bright, tangy mango slaw that adds crunchy freshness and a touch of tropical zing. Whether it’s a lively weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe will have you craving more with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan with a wooden handle holds 24 small, round meatballs arranged in an organized way, covering the surface evenly. Each meatball is golden-brown with a shiny glaze, showing a moist and cooked texture. There is a bit of oil around the meatballs, creating a light shine on the pan’s surface. The pan sits on a white marbled texture background, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, along with delightful textures. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this dish approachable without compromising on taste or color.

Ripe mango: Thin slices bring juicy sweetness and a tropical twist to the slaw.
Purple cabbage: Adds a crunchy, colorful base for the slaw.
Cilantro: Offers fresh herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.
Green onions: Provide mild oniony flavor and a hint of crunch.
Lime juice: Gives a zesty acidity that balances sweetness perfectly.
Honey: Sweetens both the slaw and glaze naturally.
Chili garlic sauce (like sriracha): Brings a subtle spicy kick for depth.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma to the glaze that’s unmistakably Asian.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos: For umami-rich, salty savoriness.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that inject punch and warmth.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze so it beautifully coats the meatballs.
Ground chicken: The lean, tender protein base of the meatballs.
Panko bread crumbs: Give the meatballs some lightness and help them hold together.
Butter lettuce: The soft, crisp vehicle for assembling the wraps.
Sesame seeds and extra cilantro: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and extra flavor.

How to Make Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Slaw

Start by combining thinly sliced mango, shredded purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, and green onions in a large bowl for a fresh, crunchy slaw. Whisk together lime juice, honey, chili garlic sauce, and kosher salt in a small bowl to create a vibrant dressing. Pour this over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate so the flavors can marry beautifully while you move on to the meatballs.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, sesame oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. This glaze is the secret to giving the meatballs their glossy, flavorful coating that’s slightly sticky and irresistible.

Step 3: Mix and Roll the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green onions. Use clean hands to gently mix everything until well incorporated—don’t overwork it to keep the meatballs tender. Then, roll about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time into mini meatballs for perfect bite-sized portions.

Step 4: Cook and Glaze the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through and golden. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the glaze into the pan. Toss the meatballs carefully to coat them completely, cooking a few more minutes until the glaze thickens and clings lovingly to each meatball.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Lay out fresh butter lettuce leaves, place a few glazed meatballs on each, and top with a generous helping of tangy mango slaw. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if you like, then fold and dig in for an explosion of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw Recipe

The image shows several lettuce cups arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each cup has three layers: at the base is a fresh, light green lettuce leaf with gentle folds, followed by a layer of shredded purple cabbage and thin orange carrot strips in the middle, adding a crunchy texture and bright color contrast. On the top sits a round, golden-brown meatball glazed with a shiny, orange sauce and sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. The colors are vibrant, with the green lettuce, purple cabbage, orange carrot, and glossy sauce creating an inviting mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and a visually appealing finish. Fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness and a pop of green, complementing the mango slaw wonderfully. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving elevates the flavors, adding a refreshing tang that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these wraps with steamed jasmine rice or simple coconut rice to soak up any extra glaze and balance the vibrant flavors. A side of edamame or cucumber salad keeps things light and refreshing. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn complement the natural sweetness in the mango slaw beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs and slaw in small lettuce “boats” arranged on a colorful platter so guests can build their own wraps. You can also skewer the meatballs for an easy finger-food style appetizer and spoon slaw on top as a bright, crunchy topper. For a party, providing dipping sauces alongside adds variety — think extra chili garlic or a creamy peanut sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and fresh by wrapping them in a damp paper towel inside a container or zip-top bag to prevent wilting.

Freezing

If you want to save cooked meatballs for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. However, the mango slaw is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to its crisp texture and juicy fruit.

Reheating

Gently reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the glaze if needed. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the glaze shiny and the meat moist. The mango slaw is best served cold or at room temperature for maximum crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and will absorb the flavors of the glaze just as beautifully. Just watch the cooking time, as turkey can dry out faster.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can swap meatballs for plant-based alternatives or make veggie balls using ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, or lentils mixed with similar Asian seasonings to keep the flavors aligned.

How spicy is the chili garlic sauce in this dish?

The chili garlic sauce adds a mild to moderate heat depending on the brand and amount used. You can adjust or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor without losing the signature tangy and garlicky notes.

What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft, pliable leaves that hold fillings well without tearing. Romaine or Boston lettuce also make good substitutes if you want a bit more crunch.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the mango slaw up to a day ahead to let the flavors meld. You can also mix and form the meatballs a few hours in advance and store them refrigerated before cooking. Just glaze and assemble right before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about the combination of juicy, saucy meatballs with bright, crisp mango slaw wrapped in tender lettuce leaves. The Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw Recipe is a fantastic way to bring fresh, balanced flavors to your table with minimal fuss. Once you try this, it’s destined to become one of your favorites for casual dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy every delicious bite and don’t forget to savor the vibrant colors and textures in every wrap!