Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cooled coffee, miso paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until miso is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and swirl to coat.
- Add ground chicken. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. The meat should sizzle but not brown aggressively.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add shallot, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour the coffee-miso mixture into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Bring to a gentle simmer—look for small, lazy bubbles across the surface, not a rolling boil.
- Let simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The chicken should look glossy, not wet. If it looks dry, add a tablespoon of water.
- Remove from heat. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed (miso and soy are already salty).
- To assemble: Lay a lettuce leaf flat. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center. Top with shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Fold like a taco and eat immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water. Keep lettuce leaves separate and dry—wet leaves turn soggy. For a gluten-free version, use tamari. For a caffeine-free version, use decaf coffee. Caffeine affects people differently; if you're sensitive, decaf works beautifully here. Handle hot skillet and simmering sauce with care to avoid burns.
