Our Recipes / Fresh Made Easy / Kid-Friendly San Choy Bao

Close-up of a green leaf showing texture and veins

Kid-Friendly San Choy Bao

Crunchy lettuce cups filled with savoury mince and veggies — this is finger food that’s fun, nutritious, and easy to make. Mild in flavour, big on taste.

Instructions for cooking a recipe, divided into three steps: Prep takes 15 minutes, cook takes 10 minutes, serving yields 4 servings.

Person assembling lettuce wraps with ground meat, diced vegetables, and cucumber slices on a white surface.

Shopping List

1 head Baby Cos or Butter Lettuce – whole leaves separated and washed

½ cup Grated Carrot

¼ cup Finely Diced Zucchini

A few sprigs Fresh Parsley or Coriander (optional garnish)

PANTRY CHECK

500g Lean Minced Pork, Chicken or Beef

1 tbsp Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tbsp Oyster Sauce (or hoisin for sweetness)

1 tsp Grated Ginger

1 small Garlic Clove, minced

1 tsp Sesame Oil

1 tsp Vegetable Oil (for cooking)

Optional: Cooked vermicelli noodles (chopped), rice, or crushed peanuts

Fresh green lettuce, cilantro, two small bowls of soy sauce and hoisin sauce, carrot, zucchini, ground meat, garlic, and ginger on a white surface.

METHOD

Prepare the lettuce: Gently separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Pat dry and set aside in the fridge to keep crisp.
Cook the filling: In a large frypan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mince and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Add carrot, zucchini, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir and simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. Optional: Stir through chopped vermicelli noodles or a handful of cooked rice for extra bulk.
Assemble and serve: Spoon the warm mince mixture into the centre of each lettuce cup. Top with parsley or coriander, crushed peanuts if allergy-safe, or a drizzle of extra sauce for the grown-ups.

TOP TIP

Lay everything out “DIY style” on the table and let kids build their own wraps — it makes them more likely to eat it and gives them ownership of their plate.