Prepare your lettuce cups: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves from the head, trying not to tear them. Rinse gently and pat dry with a clean tea towel. Set aside — the leaves should look vibrant green and feel crisp and cool to the touch.

Heat the pan: Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Swirl the pan so the oil coats the surface evenly. You should see a light shimmer on the oil within about 30 seconds, but it should not be smoking.

Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant, spicy aroma and the garlic turns a pale golden colour. Do not let it brown too much, or it will taste bitter.

Cook the chicken: Add the minced chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Spread it into an even layer and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute — you will hear a satisfying sizzle. Then stir and break it up. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has turned from a raw, glossy pink to a matte, light golden brown. Small browned bits on the bottom of the pan are good; they add flavour.

Add the vegetables: Toss in the spring onions, grated carrot, diced capsicum, and water chestnuts. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes. The vegetables should soften slightly but still have a noticeable crunch when you bite into them. The carrot will turn a slightly deeper orange, and the capsicum will look less opaque.

Season the filling: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Sprinkle over the red chilli flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken and vegetables. The filling should look glossy and smell deeply savoury with a hint of sweetness.

Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir through the chopped coriander and toasted sesame seeds. Spoon the warm filling into the prepared lettuce cups. Serve immediately while the filling is hot and the lettuce is still cool and crisp.