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Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps - Quick, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 small can water chestnuts, drained and diced (optional for crunch)
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and washed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or a touch of honey for sweetness)
  • 1–2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to slightly thicken)
  • 1–2 tablespoons water (to loosen as needed)
  • Lime wedges
  • Thinly sliced cucumbers
  • Pickled jalapeños or fresh chili slices
  • Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles if you want something heartier

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Taste and adjust heat and sweetness as you like.
  2. Prep the lettuce and toppings. Separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Slice green onions, chop cilantro, and set out any extras like cucumbers and lime wedges.
  3. Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Cook the turkey. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and any moisture cooks off. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Add veggies. Stir in bell pepper, carrots, and water chestnuts. Cook 2–3 minutes so the veggies stay crisp-tender.
  6. Sauce it up. Pour the sauce over the turkey mixture. Stir and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
  7. Finish and taste. Remove from heat. Stir in half the green onions. Taste and adjust salt, heat, or acidity with a squeeze of lime.
  8. Assemble. Spoon the spicy turkey into lettuce leaves. Top with remaining green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and any extras you like. Serve immediately.