Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Thai flavors, these Turkey Lettuce Wraps will quickly become a favorite. The ground turkey is cooked with a mix of garlic, ginger, lime, and fish sauce, giving it a zesty, savory depth. The crunch of the lettuce complements the turkey perfectly, while the fresh herbs and dipping sauce add a refreshing twist. These wraps are low-carb, gluten-free, and can be made in just 20 minutes, making them the perfect healthy meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 12-15 large lettuce leaves (such as Romaine or Butter lettuce)

• Crushed peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

• Fresh basil or mint (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.

3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar (or honey). Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the turkey mixture.

5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. To assemble, spoon a generous portion of the turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews and fresh basil or mint.

7. Serve the wraps immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 10 minutes, making the total time about 20 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the turkey mixture for a spicier flavor.

• Extra Veggies: Mix in shredded carrots, cucumber, or sprouts to the turkey mixture for more texture and crunch.

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the leftover turkey mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce wraps are best eaten fresh, but the filling can be saved for later.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the turkey mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Fresh lettuce leaves are best used immediately.

FAQs

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

The filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

What kind of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Romaine or Butter lettuce are great options as their leaves are large and sturdy, making them perfect for wrapping.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works just as well as turkey in this recipe.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you prefer a non-fish option, try using coconut aminos or a soy sauce alternative.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chilies, or even a drizzle of Sriracha for a spicy kick.

How do I prevent the lettuce from tearing?

Carefully separate the leaves without damaging them and use the sturdier, outer leaves. You can also cut the thicker part of the stem out for easier folding.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Absolutely! You can serve these wraps as a main dish or pair them with a side of rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, or even lamb if you prefer, though the flavor profile may change slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.

Can I freeze the turkey mixture for later?

You can freeze the turkey filling in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With their balance of savory turkey, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables, these wraps offer a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether for a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or healthy lunch, these wraps are sure to impress with their bold Thai-inspired flavors.

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

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Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish made with lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and savory spices. Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they offer a light yet satisfying meal that’s quick to make and perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, or keto diets. With the addition of a zesty lime dressing and crushed peanuts, these wraps bring bold Thai-inspired flavors to your table in just 20 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Total Time: 20min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 lb ground turkey

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Wraps:

12–15 large lettuce leaves (such as Romaine or Butter lettuce)

Crushed peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

Fresh basil or mint (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Filling:
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

• Cook the Veggies:
  Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

• Cook the Turkey:
  Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

• Add Sauces & Lime:
  Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar (or honey). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

• Finish the Filling:
  Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Assemble the Wraps:
  Spoon a generous portion of the turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews and fresh basil or mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Storage: Store the turkey mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the crunch of the lettuce.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chili, or a drizzle of Sriracha for extra heat.