Sesame-Ginger Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Crisp lettuce cups have long been a favorite vehicle for savory fillings in Chinese-inspired cooking. Here, lean ground turkey meets toasted sesame oil and fresh ginger for a quick, aromatic lunch that stays light without skimping on flavor.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 12 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 338 cal
• 28g protein
• 16g carbs
• 18g fat
• 4g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp neutral oil
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1–2 tsp sriracha
• 4 green onions
• 1 (8-oz) can water chestnuts
• 2 heads butter lettuce or romaine hearts
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 lime lime wedges

Instructions

1. 1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon; cook 5–6 minutes until no pink remains and some bits start to brown.
2. 2Push the turkey to the side of the pan. Add the sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic to the empty space and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together.
3. 3Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, and sriracha. Continue cooking 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey in a glossy glaze.
4. 4Drain and finely chop the water chestnuts; thinly slice the green onions, separating whites and greens. Stir the water chestnuts and white parts of the green onions into the skillet and cook 1 minute more to warm through. Remove from heat.
5. 5Separate the butter lettuce leaves, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry with paper towels so they stay crisp. Arrange the largest cup-shaped leaves on a platter.
6. 6Spoon warm turkey mixture into each lettuce cup. Top with shredded carrots, remaining green onion greens, chopped peanuts, and cilantro leaves.
7. 7Squeeze fresh lime juice over the filled wraps just before serving. The contrast of hot savory filling and cool crunchy lettuce should be immediate.
8. 8Serve family-style so everyone can build their own, or pack the filling and lettuce separately for a work-friendly lunch that stays fresh until midday.