Looking to make san choy bow? Let Matt Moran show you how with his quick and easy keto version, using pork mince.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe is prepped, cooked and served in 30 minutes. You’ll need some basic equipment such as a wok, a wooden spoon, a grater for the carrots and a sharp knife. When you’re ready to enjoy, keep the filling warm and the lettuce chilled for contrast. Assemble just before eating to avoid soggy lettuce leaves. 

Why is this the best keto-friendly pork san choy bow?

Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran shares his version of a classic. Often served as an entree or starter at Chinese restaurants, this keto-friendly san choy bow (lettuce wraps) is quick, easy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect option for nights when you’re craving something hearty, but also want a healthy dinner that comes with minimal fuss. 

The hero of the dish is the pork mince, paired with a ready-made massaman curry paste that adds subtle warmth and sweetness. This dish is customiseable too – feel free to add some extra fresh sliced red chilli if you like it hot or other extra ingredients should you feel a little more adventurous. Massaman is a Thai curry that’s characterised by its mildly spicy flavour and rich and creamy texture. Unlike using massaman paste in a traditional way, such as in a curry, using it as the base flavour and starting point for your pork mince is the perfect application to set this dish apart from all other san choy bows. 

What makes this a keto-friendly dish?

This easy san choy bow earns its keto-friendly label with a few smart tweaks: high-fat pork mince which keeps it rich and satisfying, crisp lettuce to replace carb-heavy wraps, and low-carb vegies like carrot, long green shallots and lettuce. 

What to put inside a san choy bow?

San choy bow is often filled with chicken mince, pork mince or shredded duck. In some Chinese restaurants, duck san choy bow is often served when you order peking duck. After you have enjoyed the skin and prime parts of the meat with pancakes, the restaurant will then chop up the remaining meat from the carcass to serve as san choy bow or a noodle dish. Other san choy bow filling ingredients include shredded carrot, long green shallots and fresh onions. It’s also not uncommon to find garlic, ginger, water chestnuts, onions, mushrooms and even corn. 

The beauty of these lettuce wraps is that you’re free to include your favourite ingredients and flavourings. Ramp up the spice with extra chillies, increase your vegie intake with bean sprouts, or add extra flavour with one-third more of a teaspoon of massaman curry paste.

What ingredients you’ll need 

Peanut or sunflower oil: Whichever you choose, both oils act as a light and neutral base for cooking the vegetables and pork mince. 

Long green shallot: The entire shallot (the white, light green and green parts) is used in the pork mixture and as a garnish over the finished dish.

Carrot: Grated carrot offers a fresh, crisp sweetness that balances the savory and spicy components of the dish.

Pork mince: Choose high-fat pork mince as the main protein for the dish. It adds richness and depth of flavour for the filling of the lettuce wraps.

Massaman curry paste: Not traditional to a classic san choy bow recipe, this adds a unique, slightly spicy and aromatic twist to the dish.

Kecap manis: This sweeter soy sauce brings a sweet and savoury umami depth to the dish. 

Lime: Lime juice provides a zesty, tangy acidity that brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the pork.

Thai basil: Fresh Thai basil leaves infuse the dish with a fragrant, slightly peppery herbaceous note.

Gem lettuce or baby cos lettuce: Lettuce cups serve as a crisp, refreshing vessel for the filling, adding a cool crunch to every bite. Soak them in iced water in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving to make them super crispy.

Red chilli: Chilli delivers heat and spiciness and adds a bold kick to the dish. Feel free to omit if spice isn’t for you. 

Crispy onion: Crispy onions add a crunchy texture and a sweet-savoury bite that contrasts with the tender pork filling. 

How to make lettuce wraps that don’t fall apart

A soggy filling can often cause lettuce wraps or san choy bow to fall apart. If the filled lettuce leaves are left to sit for too long, the warmth from the pork mince can soften the lettuce and cause it to become too soft. Use fresh, crisp gem lettuce or baby cos lettuce, choose the largest leaves and those that have a good shape for filling. For extra-crisp lettuce leaves, soak them in iced water in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the mixture as you go into a lettuce cup and enjoy. 

How to store leftover pork san choy bow

Allow the mince mixture to cool before transferring into airtight containers and storing in the fridge for 3-4 days. In fact, the flavours should increase in intensity and get better over time. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve with fresh lettuce cups and fresh soft herbs.

You may also wish to freeze your mince mixture if you’re meal prepping. Similarly, place into airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. 

What to serve with pork san choy bow

Finish your san choy bow recipe with a sprinkle of chillies, crispy onions, long green shallots and Thai basil to keep it fresh, with an extra drizzle of kecap manis. To keep the dish keto-friendly, feel free to enjoy as a main meal by serving a few lettuce cups per diner, or choose cauliflower or broccoli rice, a spicy cucumber salad or avocado slices as a side. 

Drink pairings with keto-friendly pork san choy bow 

When it comes to choosing the best drink to pair with your pork san choy bow, we recommend a white wine like an off-dry riesling. The slight sweetness and the crispiness balance the savouriness of the dish. Or you can opt for a light pinot noir. Its delicate fruit flavours will work a treat with the richness of the pork. For something non-alcoholic, a refreshing iced green tea is also a great option. 

If you love our keto-friendly pork san choy bow recipe, try this 

Explore more recipes you can enjoy on a low-card keto diet: 

• Prawn and avocado keto omelette 
• Zesty chicken broth with broccoli rice and leafy greens
• Green frittata