Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
These Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a low-carb and flavor-packed meal, swapping heavy tortillas for crisp lettuce cups. Ground turkey is seasoned with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili, creating a light yet incredibly satisfying dish.
For 2 servings
Prepare all vegetables: finely dice the onion, mince garlic and ginger, dice the red bell pepper, shred the carrot, and chop the water chestnuts. Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves, setting them aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but retain some crunch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the turkey and vegetables in the skillet.
Stir well to combine, ensuring the turkey and vegetables are evenly coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly.
Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more chili garlic sauce for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a touch more sweetness.
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the warm turkey mixture into the prepared lettuce cups. Arrange them on a platter.
Garnish generously with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and optional chopped roasted peanuts. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each wrap.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your lettuce leaves are very dry before serving; this prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them stay crisp.
- 2For extra flavor and texture, consider adding finely diced mushrooms (like shiitake or cremini) along with the other vegetables.
- 3To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the turkey; cook in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute ground chicken or finely chopped firm tofu for the ground turkey for a different texture or vegetarian option.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Add finely chopped broccoli slaw, edamame, or shredded cabbage to the filling for more nutrients and crunch.
Spice Level AdjustmentSpice Level Adjustment
Increase the chili garlic sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hotter kick, or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground turkey provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping you feel full longer.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The abundance of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and lettuce supplies a wide array of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, supporting overall health and immunity.
Low in Carbohydrates
By using lettuce cups instead of traditional wraps, this recipe significantly reduces carbohydrate content, making it an excellent choice for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the turkey filling can be cooked up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving with fresh lettuce cups.
