Zesty Turkey Larb Lettuce Wraps
Experience a refreshing take on traditional Thai larb with these Zesty Turkey Larb Lettuce Wraps. This vibrant dish combines the savory flavors of ground turkey seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, all balanced with a tangy lime dressing. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, these wraps make for a healthy and delightful meal that's perfect for casual dining or entertaining. Skip the rice for a lighter option and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for gatherings, these lettuce wraps are also customizable to fit your spice preference. Surprise your taste buds with this quick and easy recipe that's sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
1/3 cup (from about 5 limes)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (from 1 large lemon)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (use a high-quality variety)
Honey
2 tablespoons (preferably raw or organic)
Vegetable or canola oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Red onion
1/2 (diced)
Shallots
3 (thinly sliced)
Lemongrass
1/4 cup (minced)
Thai chiles
1 (stemmed and thinly sliced, or use a serrano chili)
Kosher salt
to taste
Ground turkey
1 1/2 lbs (preferably dark meat)
Fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Butter lettuce
1 head (leaves separated)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dressing by whisking together lime juice, lemon juice, fish sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable or canola oil and heat until shimmering.
3
Add the diced red onion, sliced shallots, minced lemongrass, and sliced Thai chili (adjust according to heat preference) to the skillet. Season lightly with kosher salt and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4
Increase the heat slightly and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with additional salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
5
Pour the prepared dressing over the turkey mixture and stir well to combine. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes to heat throughout.
6
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh mint leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
7
To serve, spoon generous amounts of the turkey larb mixture into separate lettuce leaves. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, with optional sticky rice on the side if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Turkey Larb Lettuce Wraps?
Zesty Turkey Larb Lettuce Wraps are a refreshing take on traditional Thai larb, featuring savory ground turkey seasoned with aromatic herbs and a tangy lime dressing, served in butter lettuce.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 1/3 cup of fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of high-quality fish sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
What type of turkey is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1 1/2 lbs of ground turkey, preferably dark meat for its richer flavor and moisture.
What kind of lettuce should I use for the wraps?
One head of butter lettuce is recommended because its leaves are flexible and perfectly shaped for holding the turkey mixture.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for this dish?
You should finely mince 1/4 cup of lemongrass to ensure it distributes its aromatic citrus flavor throughout the turkey mixture without leaving large woody pieces.
Is this turkey larb spicy?
The recipe includes one Thai chili, but the heat level is customizable. You can adjust the amount of chili or substitute it with a serrano chili based on your preference.
What aromatics are used in the base of the dish?
The dish begins with a sautéed mixture of diced red onion, thinly sliced shallots, minced lemongrass, and sliced Thai chili.
How long does it take to cook the turkey?
The ground turkey usually takes about 5 minutes to cook over medium-high heat until it is browned and no longer pink.
When should I add the fresh mint?
Fresh mint should be folded into the mixture after the pan has been removed from the heat to preserve its bright color and delicate flavor.
Can I serve this with rice?
Yes, while these are served in lettuce wraps for a lighter option, you can serve them with optional sticky rice on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, by using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas or rice, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
What oil is best for sautéing the turkey?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is ideal for this recipe.
How many limes will I need for the juice?
You will typically need about 5 fresh limes to get the 1/3 cup of juice required for the dressing.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can use another liquid sweetener or even a small amount of granulated sugar, though honey provides a nice floral depth to the dressing.
How do I prepare the shallots?
The recipe calls for three shallots to be thinly sliced before they are sautéed with the other aromatics.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce provides the essential salty, umami depth that is characteristic of traditional Thai larb.
How should I prep the butter lettuce?
Separate the head of lettuce into individual leaves, wash them thoroughly, and pat them dry before serving.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely; ground chicken is a common substitute for turkey in larb recipes and will work perfectly with these seasonings.
How do I know when the aromatics are done?
Sauté the onion, shallots, lemongrass, and chili for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the turkey filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of savory meat, tangy citrus, sweet honey, salty fish sauce, and fresh minty notes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your fish sauce is a certified gluten-free variety, as the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly listed, 1.5 lbs of turkey typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on whether it is an appetizer or a main course.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the skillet for extra crunch and nutrition.
Is the lemongrass edible?
When minced very finely and sautéed, lemongrass is edible and provides a wonderful texture and flavor to the dish.
What kind of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is recommended for its clean flavor and ease of pinching for seasoning.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is highly recommended for this dish as it provides a cooling contrast to the savory turkey that dried mint cannot replicate.
What makes this a quick meal?
With a short cooking time for the turkey and simple assembly, this meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
How do I adjust the seasoning at the end?
After adding the mint, taste the mixture and add more kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Why is it called 'Larb'?
Larb is a traditional meat salad from Laos and Isan (Northeastern Thailand), typically seasoned with lime, fish sauce, and herbs.