Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

These light and refreshing lettuce wraps are packed with savory turkey, fresh vegetables, and a delicious sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Turkey Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 pound ground turkey (dark meat is more flavorful, but lean will work too)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated or minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped (optional, but adds great texture and umami)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts), plus more for garnish

For Serving:

• 1 large head of butter lettuce, Boston lettuce, or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• Optional: Lime wedges, chopped peanuts, additional sriracha for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey Filling:

   • Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • If using, add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
   • Pour the sauce mixture over the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the turkey.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

2. Assemble the Wraps:

   • Arrange the separated lettuce leaves on a platter.
   • Place bowls of the turkey filling, shredded carrots, and bean sprouts on the table for easy assembly.

3. Serve:

   • To eat, spoon a generous amount of the warm turkey filling into a lettuce cup.
   • Top with shredded carrots and bean sprouts.
   • Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and green onions.
   • For extra flavor, squeeze a lime wedge over the top or add a drizzle of additional sriracha if desired. You can also sprinkle with chopped peanuts for crunch.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this vegetarian by using crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms as the base instead of turkey.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your liking.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables to the filling, such as water chestnuts for crunch, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Nutty Flavor: A teaspoon of peanut butter stirred into the sauce can add a nice richness.
• Make Ahead: The turkey filling can be made a day in advance and reheated gently before serving. Keep the lettuce and vegetables separate until ready to assemble.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Turkey Lettuce Wraps!