Pork Mince Lettuce Cups

Pork Mince Lettuce Cups

Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour, these pork mince lettuce cups are perfect for a light dinner, BBQ starter, or lunch the next day. Made with premium pork mince from The Local Butcher in Blenheim, this dish is quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

For the pork filling:

• 500g fresh pork mince (from The Local Butcher)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated

• ½ cup grated carrot

• ½ red capsicum, finely diced

• 2 spring onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1 tsp cornflour (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

To serve:

• 1 head butter or cos lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed

• Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, lime wedges, coriander or mint

Method

1. Cook the aromatics:
   Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and the white part of the spring onions. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Brown the mince:
   Add pork mince and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and slightly crisp.

3. Add the veg:
   Stir in carrot and capsicum. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just softened.

4. Add the Sauce:
   Combine soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, vinegar, and cornflour slurry. Pour into the pan and simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.

5. Build your cups:
   Spoon the warm pork mixture into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with green spring onion tops and any optional garnishes such as crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, or fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestion

Serve them on a big platter and let everyone build their own. For a more filling meal, add a side of steamed jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or even a scoop of warm brown rice.