Looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? These Turkey Lettuce Wraps are your answer! They’re packed with savory turkey, crisp veggies, and a delicious sauce, all wrapped in a refreshing lettuce cup. Perfect for a light dinner or a fun appetizer, these wraps are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground chicken or even finely diced mushrooms (for a vegetarian option) work well.
- Lettuce Cups: Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg lettuce are great choices. You need sturdy leaves.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best for flavor, but pre-minced versions are fine in a pinch.
- Water Chestnuts: Add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, jicama or even finely diced celery can work.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1 head butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, measuring cups and spoons, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. If you like a little spice, add the Sriracha now. Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the Turkey:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and shredded carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine with Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the chopped green onions. Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the turkey mixture into individual lettuce leaves and serve immediately. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover turkey filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store lettuce leaves separately. Reheat the filling gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, then spoon into fresh lettuce cups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the turkey filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
- What kind of lettuce is best for turkey lettuce wraps? Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg are ideal because their leaves are large and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy? Make sure the turkey filling is not too watery. Also, only assemble the wraps right before serving.
- Can I make these turkey lettuce wraps vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for finely crumbled extra-firm tofu, lentils, or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms.
- What can I serve with these wraps? A side of steamed rice, a simple cucumber salad, or extra raw vegetable sticks would be great accompaniments.
- Are these turkey lettuce wraps healthy? Yes, they are packed with lean protein and vegetables, making them a nutritious and low-carb meal option.