Savory Turkey Lettuce Cups
These Savory Turkey Lettuce Cups are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables and a punchy sauce, all wrapped in crisp, refreshing lettuce. This delightful dish offers a wonderful balance of savory and sweet, making it a perfect option for either an appetizer or a light main meal. Thanks to the versatility of the recipe, feel free to swap the turkey for veggie crumbles if you prefer a vegetarian option. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy lunch at home, these lettuce cups are sure to impress with their vibrant presentation and delicious taste!
N/A
Servings
227
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sweet chili sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (none)
sherry wine
1 tablespoon (none)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
oyster sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
ground turkey
1/2-1 lb (very lean)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon (finely chopped)
shiitake mushrooms
12 (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (finely diced)
sliced water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and chopped)
scallions
3 (sliced)
butter lettuce or bibb lettuce
1 head (washed, leaves separated)
cilantro
to taste (optional)
basil
to taste (optional)
lime wedge
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, sherry wine, rice vinegar, lime juice, and oyster sauce. Set this sauce mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the turkey is cooked, add the minced garlic and chopped ginger to the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the chopped shiitake mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, chopped water chestnuts, and sliced scallions. Continue to stir fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
5
Pour the reserved sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables, tossing everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated. Allow to cook for an additional minute to heat through.
6
Transfer the turkey mixture to a serving platter and arrange the washed lettuce leaves around it. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro and basil, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal by filling the leaves with the turkey mixture and savoring every bite!
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
20
Carbs
13
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Turkey Lettuce Cups?
They are a blend of lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce served in crisp lettuce leaves.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce is recommended for this recipe as the leaves are flexible and easy to fill.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground turkey for veggie crumbles to create a vegetarian version.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, sherry wine, rice vinegar, lime juice, and oyster sauce.
How long does it take to cook the ground turkey?
The ground turkey typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook through over medium heat.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, water chestnuts, and scallions.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 227 calories.
How much protein is in these lettuce cups?
There are 13 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-carb recipe with 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What aromatics are used for flavor?
Fresh minced garlic and finely chopped ginger provide the primary aromatic base.
What provides the crunch in the filling?
Drained and chopped water chestnuts provide a delightful crunch to the turkey mixture.
How should I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet.
When do I add the garlic and ginger?
Add the garlic and ginger once the turkey is fully cooked, then sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
How do I serve the lettuce cups?
Arrange the washed lettuce leaves around the turkey mixture on a platter and allow guests to fill their own leaves.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro, basil, and lime wedges.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe uses 18 ingredients in total.
What kind of turkey is best?
Very lean ground turkey (1/2 to 1 lb) is recommended for this dish.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe calls for 12 chopped shiitake mushrooms.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for quick lunches or appetizers.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What type of oil is used?
Sesame oil is used to add a nutty flavor to the sauce mixture.
Can I use different mushrooms?
While shiitake is specified, you could substitute with button or cremini mushrooms if necessary.
How do I prepare the lettuce?
Wash the head of lettuce and carefully separate the leaves for filling.
Does the recipe contain alcohol?
It includes 1 tablespoon of sherry wine in the sauce mixture.
What kind of pepper is used?
One finely diced red bell pepper is used for color and flavor.
How should I cook the vegetables?
Stir-fry the vegetables with the meat for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
What is the role of hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce provides a sweet and savory base for the overall flavor profile.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
Yes, these are substantial enough to be served as a light main course.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe uses 3 sliced scallions.