Pork San Choy Bau Salad

This pork san choy bau salad is a healthy and satisfying twist on the classic Asian lettuce cup dish.

Packed with savoury pork and veal mince, mushrooms, spinach, and wholesome grains, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering plenty of flavour and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Packed with protein and vegetables
• Great for healthy weeknight dinners
• Full of texture and Asian-inspired flavours
• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

• Sesame oil
• Mixed mushrooms
• Lean pork and veal mince
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Oyster sauce
• Baby spinach
• Microwave ancient grains or brown rice and chia
• Butter lettuce leaves
• Green shallots
• Sunflower seeds
• Fried shallots
• Kewpie mayonnaise (optional)

How to Make Pork San Choy Bau Salad

Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms and Mince

Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Add mushrooms and cook until lightly golden.

Add the pork and veal mince and cook, breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon, until browned.

Step 2: Add the Flavour

Stir in:

• Garlic
• Fresh ginger

Cook until fragrant.

Add oyster sauce, spinach, and grains.

Cook while stirring until everything is heated through.

Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Cups

Spoon the mince mixture into butter lettuce leaves.

Top with:

• Green shallots
• Toasted sunflower seeds
• Fried shallots

Drizzle with Kewpie mayonnaise if desired.

Tips for the Best San Choy Bau

• Use crisp lettuce leaves for better texture
• Don’t overcook the mince to keep it juicy
• Toast the sunflower seeds for extra flavour
• Add extra chilli if you prefer more heat
• Prepare toppings ahead for faster assembly

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Asian cucumber salad
• Stir-fried greens
• Fresh lime wedges
• Chilli oil or sriracha

Recipe Variations

Low-Carb Version

Skip the grains and add extra vegetables.

Extra Crunch

Add crushed peanuts or crispy noodles.

Vegetarian Option

Replace the mince with tofu or mushrooms.

Storage Tips

• Store the mince mixture separately from the lettuce
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
• Reheat the filling in a frying pan or microwave before serving

Final Thoughts

This pork san choy bau salad is a fresh, flavour-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for healthy lunches or dinners. With crisp lettuce cups, savoury mince, and crunchy toppings, it’s a simple dish that never feels boring.