Go Back

High Protein Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps - Light, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 1 head butter lettuce (or romaine, bibb, or iceberg for extra crunch)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional for extra umami)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
  • Sauce: 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or 2 teaspoons honey + 1 teaspoon miso paste)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot) mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional add-ins and toppings: 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Sesame seeds
  • Crushed peanuts or cashews (if not nut-free)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce and aromatics. Gently separate the lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Set aside in the fridge to keep them crisp. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
  2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin (or honey+miso), and sriracha if using. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until smooth. This will help the filling cling together.
  3. Brown the turkey. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, then the ground turkey. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and lightly browned, 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add aromatics and veggies. Stir in onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Cook 3–4 minutes, until the onion softens and the veggies release their moisture. If using carrots or water chestnuts, add them now.
  5. Simmer with sauce. Pour the sauce over the turkey mixture. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes, until the liquid thickens and coats the filling. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
  6. Finish and garnish. Remove from heat and stir in most of the green onions, reserving a few for topping. If you like a brighter finish, squeeze in a little lime juice.
  7. Assemble the wraps. Spoon the warm turkey filling into chilled lettuce cups. Top with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or nuts. Serve with lime wedges.