Chinese New Year.

I hardly, ever, use recipes. But, for chinese food, I rely on others, and make only very simple stir fry dishes that use every day ingredients. This recipe for lettuce cups comes from Sunset Magazine, Jan. 2012. In parenthesis are my modifications.
The recipe is easy and quick, a perfect lunch or snack.

Bison( beef for me) and water chestnut lettuce cups:

1 lb ground bison (beef)
2 Tbs minced fresh ginger ( my piece of ginger came from the freezer)
1 Tb minced garlic
(2 Tbs sesame oil) My beef is very lean!
2 1/2 Tbs Asian black bean sauce
1 1/2 Tbs hoisin sauce
1 can of water chestnuts, rinsed, drained, chopped
1/2 C sliced green onions ( one cup)
1/2 C chopped peanuts (one cup)
1 large head of butter lettuce, separated into leaves
Sriracha hot sauce
(Soy sauce)

Combine sesame oil, beef, ginger and garlic in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Cook until brown, and meat separated in small bites.
Add bean sauce and hoisin sauce, stir until combined.
Add water chestnuts and onions.
(Taste, add additional sesame oil for flavor.)

Spoon this mixture in a serving bowl.
Add peanuts on top.

Serve on individual leaves, with Sriracha sauce and/or( soy sauce).

Don't forget to add chop sticks, fortune cookies, hot tea.

Happy New Year!





Ingredients: