Healthy Family: Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps

Serves 8.

Note: Salty, citrusy and slightly sweet thin pork chops are grilled, sliced and tucked into lettuce leaves with a variety of other fixings. A flavorful dipping sauce spiked with ginger and peanuts finishes off this addictive dish perfectly. Fish sauce can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most grocery stores.

• 1/4 c. light brown sugar

• 3 tbsp. fish sauce (see Note)

• 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh lemon grass

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For the dipping sauce and fixings:

• 1/3 c. fresh lime juice

• 1/4 c. fish sauce (see Note)

• 2 tbsp. light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp. peeled and minced fresh ginger

• 4 oz. rice vermicelli noodles

• 1 large head Boston lettuce, leaves separated

• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks

• 1 English cucumber, cut into matchsticks

• 1/2 c. fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 c. fresh cilantro

Directions

To prepare the pork: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 3 tablespoons lime juice, lemon grass and garlic. Add the pork and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

To make the sauce: Whisk together 1/3 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup fish sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and ginger together in a small bowl. Stir in the peanuts. Set aside.

Prepare the rice noodles according to package directions.

Arrange the pork and lettuce on a platter; set out the noodles, cucumber, carrots and herbs for fixings. Assemble the lettuce wraps and serve with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories234Fat7 gSodium960 mg

Carbohydrates22 gSaturated fat2 gCalcium47 mg

Protein21 gCholesterol54 mgDietary fiber2 g