The Asian Blend: These Lettuce Wraps are the Perfect Union of Savory and Freshness
Taking inspiration from Chinese and Thai cuisines, Nina Daza-Puyat’s Emperor’s Cups is a delicious fusion of Asian flavors
As the culinary landscape continues to expand and flourish over the years due to the amalgamation of cultures, it’s no surprise how some dishes have become the lovechild of two or more existing recipes. Beloved Filipino food expert Nina Daza-Puyat is no stranger to adapting recipes and giving it her own flair. It’s a form of appreciation and admiration, after all. Recently, Nina shared with us another dish that merges two recipes together, creating a versatile meal that is not only mouth-watering but also fun to eat—the Emperor’s Cups.
Inspired by our Asian neighbors
From the recipe formulation to execution, intricate details come into play which then merge into one exquisite dish. The Emperor’s Cups from author Nina Daza-Puyat is a rich mixture of flavors that is showcased in a beautiful presentation, making it a unique culinary experience.
Nina shares how this particular dish has been inspired by two great Asian cuisines—Chinese and Thai.
“First, it was inspired by the lettuce wraps that we see in Chinese restaurants. Second, I really loved this Thai dish called Krathong Thong. They are crispy pastry cups with ground meat and corn, and I loved it so much,” Nina explains. She found herself craving it, which eventually led her to making one on her own.
A wrapped flavorful ground meat mixture to its core, Nina satisfied her craving by recreating Krathong Thong with wonton crisps. But for Emperor’s Cups, she opted to switch the crunchy wrapper with fresh lettuce—producing a healthier version of the dish. However, she felt that it still needed another layer of texture, and here enters the crispy vermicelli. Not only do the fried noodles add to that satisfying crunch along with the freshness of the lettuce, but it also gives the dish a little more depth to the spicy ground pork mixture.
Although the Emperor’s Cups are essentially finger food, the balanced mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber already make for a filling meal. Another aspect that makes it stand out even more is the pleasing temperature contrast between the warm pork and the cool lettuce. From the surprising kick of the chili garlic sauce in the filling mixture, the satisfying crunch of the fried noodle, to the freshness of the lettuce, Nina Daza-Puyat’s Emperor’s Cups is undoubtedly a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizing starter, a filling entrée, and even as a quick snack to enjoy with family and friends.
The Long Kow Vermicelli is Sapporo’s flagship product that’s gluten-free, fat-free, and low in sodium. For more details, visit their website.
