Spicy Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
These Spicy Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a healthy and delicious one-pot meal that can be prepared in just about 30 minutes. This recipe features tender ground turkey sautéed with sweet onions, garlic, and a blend of savory sauces, offering a delightful burst of flavors in each bite. Wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce leaves, these wraps are not only packed with protein but also provide a refreshing crunch. The chili-garlic sauce adds a perfect heat, which you can easily adjust to your taste. Customize your experience by substituting the sesame oil with mirin for a slightly sweeter flavor, or use fresh ginger for a zestier kick. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun group meal, everyone can enjoy assembling their own flavorful wraps!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce leaves
16 (Rinse and pat dry)
Ground turkey
1 lb (Cooked)
Cooking oil
1 tablespoon (Used for sautéing)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (Mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry)
Sweet onion (e.g., Vidalia, Maui)
1 large (Chopped)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (Used for flavor)
Lee Kum Kee hoisin sauce
1/3 cup (Used for flavor)
Pickled ginger
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Nishiki rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (Used for flavor)
Asian chili-garlic sauce
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (Drained and chopped)
Green onions
1 bunch (Chopped)
Sesame oil
2 teaspoons (Used for flavor)
Instructions
1
Rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside on a large platter.
2
In a medium skillet, heat the cooking oil over high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid as needed.
3
While the turkey is cooking, mix the cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the turkey is browned, pour this mixture over the meat and stir well to combine. Lower the heat to medium.
4
Add the chopped sweet onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften.
5
Stir in the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced pickled ginger, rice wine vinegar, and chili-garlic sauce. Mix well and allow to simmer for another 2 minutes.
6
Add the chopped water chestnuts and green onions, followed by the sesame oil. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
7
Transfer the meat mixture to a serving dish in the center of the platter. Allow guests to take 2-3 spoonfuls of the meat mixture and wrap it in the prepared lettuce leaves like a burrito.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps?
These are a healthy and delicious one-pot meal featuring savory ground turkey sautéed with onions and sauces, served in crisp iceberg lettuce leaves.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This recipe can be prepared and cooked in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners.
What kind of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Iceberg lettuce is recommended because its leaves provide a refreshing crunch and hold the meat mixture well.
Is this dish very spicy?
The dish has a heat kick from the chili-garlic sauce, which can be easily adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Can I substitute the sesame oil?
Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with mirin if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
What can I use if I don't have pickled ginger?
You can use fresh ginger instead of pickled ginger for a zestier and sharper kick.
How do I prepare the lettuce leaves?
Rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel before serving.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch slurry?
The cornstarch and water mixture creates a slurry that helps thicken the sauce and coat the ground turkey evenly.
Which type of onion should I use?
Sweet onions such as Vidalia or Maui are recommended for their mild and sweet flavor.
How long should I cook the ground turkey?
Cook the turkey over high heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked through.
What brand of hoisin sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically mentions Lee Kum Kee hoisin sauce for its flavor.
Why are water chestnuts included?
Water chestnuts add a distinct and pleasant crunch to the soft ground turkey mixture.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, because it uses lettuce leaves instead of bread or tortillas, it is a great low-carb meal option.
How do I serve the lettuce wraps?
Place the meat mixture in a central dish and allow guests to take 2-3 spoonfuls to wrap in their own lettuce leaves.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Stir in the minced garlic after the turkey is browned and the sweet onions have begun to soften.
What vinegar is recommended for this recipe?
Nishiki rice wine vinegar is recommended to add a tangy, authentic Asian flavor.
Should I drain the turkey after cooking?
Yes, you should drain any excess liquid from the skillet after the turkey has browned to keep the mixture from being too oily.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
The recipe calls for low sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
How do I assemble the wrap?
Place the meat in the center of a lettuce leaf and wrap it tightly like a burrito.
How many lettuce leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 16 iceberg lettuce leaves.
What is the heat setting for cooking the turkey?
The turkey should be cooked over high heat to ensure proper browning.
How do I prep the water chestnuts?
The water chestnuts should be drained from their can and chopped into small pieces before being added to the skillet.
When should I add the sesame oil?
Sesame oil is added at the end of the cooking process along with the water chestnuts and green onions.
What provides the main flavor in this dish?
A combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili-garlic sauce provides a complex savory and spicy flavor.
Can I make this for a group meal?
Yes, it is a fun interactive meal where everyone can assemble their own wraps at the table.
Is this recipe packed with protein?
Yes, using one pound of ground turkey makes this a high-protein meal.
How long do I simmer the sauces?
Once the sauces are added, allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
What garnish is used in this recipe?
A bunch of chopped green onions is added to the meat mixture for flavor and color.
Is the ginger minced?
Yes, the pickled ginger should be minced to ensure it is distributed evenly throughout the sauce.
Can I use cooking oil for the entire process?
Cooking oil is used for the initial sautéing of the turkey, while sesame oil is used at the end for flavor.