Name: Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and diced; 1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced on an angle; 1 head bibb or butter lettuce, leaves carefully pulled off and washed; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 green onions, diced; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and fresh, wrapping up tender ground turkey with crisp, juicy veggies all hugged by delicate butter lettuce leaves. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a light yet satisfying dish, these wraps bring a burst of flavor and texture with every bite that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several small white bowls and plates arranged neatly, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there's a bunch of fresh green lettuce leaves, next to it a small round white bowl with a dark brown sauce. To the right is a small square white bowl with a light yellow liquid. Below, a small round white plate has chopped green herbs. To the bottom right of that is a large round white bowl filled with raw minced pink meat. Below the meat bowl is a small square white bowl with bright green sliced chili peppers. To the left of the chili, a small round plate contains pink salt and black pepper. Above it, a medium oval white bowl holds finely chopped white water chestnuts. Underneath, there is a small round dish with minced garlic and minced yellow ginger. To the left, a small square white bowl is filled with chopped green onions. At the bottom right, there is another small square white bowl containing finely chopped white onions. Above the garlic dish, a small white bowl holds a dark thick sauce, and next to it is a small white bowl with a light amber liquid. The overall colors are bright and fresh with green, pink, white, and brown tones, placed on a clean white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. From the rich sesame oil that adds nuttiness to the crisp sugar snap peas that brighten every bite, these components combine to make something truly special.

Sesame oil: Adds a warm, toasty flavor that’s signature to Asian-style cooking.
Ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps things light yet hearty.
Onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a soft bite when sautéed with the meat.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
Garlic (minced): Gives a pungent depth and aromatic punch to the filling.
Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a zesty, bright warmth that complements the turkey perfectly.
Water chestnuts (drained and diced): Bring delightful crunch and a subtly sweet earthiness.
Sugar snap peas (sliced on an angle): Offer a fresh snap and vibrant green color that make the dish pop.
Soy sauce: Contributes umami richness and a little salty tang.
Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a little acidic brightness.
Hoisin sauce: Smooth, sweet, and slightly smoky, it rounds out the sauce wonderfully.
Green onions (diced): A crisp, mild onion flavor perfect for garnish.
Cilantro (fresh, chopped): Adds a fresh herbal lift and pretty green flecks on top.
Bibb or butter lettuce: The soft, large leaves act as perfect edible wraps, holding everything together.

How to Make Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Toss in the diced onions and ground turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper. As the turkey cooks, break it apart with a spatula to ensure it browns evenly and mixes well with the onions. This step sets the foundation for tender, flavorful filling.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Crunch

Once the turkey is fully browned, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped water chestnuts, and sliced sugar snap peas. Cook for about two minutes until the mixture releases its fragrant aroma. These ingredients build layers of flavor and give the filling delightful texture.

Step 3: Finish with Sauces

Next, pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix everything thoroughly and let it cook another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauces meld beautifully into the turkey and veggies. The result is a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet filling ready for wrapping.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Divide the cooked meat mixture into four equal portions. Spoon each portion into clean, crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating handheld wraps that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe

A black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four distinct sections of ingredients. The largest section is filled with cooked ground meat that looks crumbly and light brown with small bits of onion mixed in. Below it is a mound of white chopped onions, diced into small pieces. To the left of the onions, there are fresh bright green sliced snap peas or green beans, cut diagonally. On top of the black pan’s surface, at the center between the meat and vegetables, is a small pile of finely grated yellow ginger. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the assembled wraps for a fresh, vibrant finish. These garnishes add bright color and a burst of herbal flavor that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. A bowl of miso soup on the side also complements the flavors beautifully for a full Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, set up a build-your-own lettuce wrap bar. Lay out the turkey mixture, lettuce leaves, various garnishes like shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, or sliced chili peppers, and let everyone create their own perfect wrap. It’s interactive and makes dinner extra memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover turkey filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and fresh by storing them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked turkey filling for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Lettuce wraps are best fresh, so avoid freezing the leaves.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until warmed through. Then assemble with fresh lettuce and garnishes for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce?

Absolutely! While bibb or butter lettuce is recommended for its soft, pliable leaves, crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce also works well. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling securely.

Is ground turkey the only protein option?

Not at all! You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or even beef depending on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but still works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground turkey for diced tofu or tempeh and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. You might want to increase the garlic and ginger slightly to boost the flavor.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?

This Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mild by default, perfect for most palates. To add heat, simply include sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of chili sauce, or some red pepper flakes when cooking.

What’s the best way to chop the water chestnuts?

Drain the canned water chestnuts well, then dice them into small pieces. This ensures you get their signature crisp texture without large chunks overpowering the wrap.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, fast, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a wholesome meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners to whip up whenever you want something healthy and delicious in a flash.