Healthy food can taste amazing. These Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps are packed with fresh ingredients and bold, balanced flavors—delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. They work well as a main dish or as an appetizer and quickly became one of our favorite meals.
Ingredients for flavor
Ingredients for flavorChili sauce, lime juice and zest, red pepper flakes, onion, brown sugar, cilantro, and mint come together to create a bright, layered sauce that brings ground turkey to life. The combination is sweet, tangy, spicy, and aromatic—no one will guess this is a low-fat entrée.
Why ground meat absorbs more flavor
Sauteeing chopped onion in a little oil before adding the turkey, along with garlic and ginger, helps build a savory base. Ground meat exposes more surface area, so it soaks up sauces and seasonings more readily than large cuts, giving every bite more taste.
Substitutions for the meat
Ground chicken is a great substitute and keeps the dish light. Ground pork or beef also work, though those options are higher in fat—if you choose them, drain excess fat after cooking. We prefer turkey for its lower fat content and mild flavor that lets the sauce shine.
Sauce
The sauce can be made 2–3 days ahead, speeding weeknight prep. It blends sweet chili sauce, hoisin, and soy with brown sugar, lime juice and zest, and red pepper flakes for a lively mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Taste as you go and adjust salt or heat to your preference.
The secret: flavor and crunch
A standout addition is Thai Lime Chili Cashews, which add both citrusy tang and crunch. If you can’t find them, roasted cashews or peanuts make an excellent substitute and still add texture to the wraps.
Combine sauce with the meat
We like stirring the sauce into the cooked meat so the flavors meld throughout. Spoon the saucy mixture into lettuce leaves and fold like a taco or burrito. If you prefer, serve the meat on the leaves and drizzle extra sauce at the table. Adjust seasoning or add more red pepper flakes to match your taste.
Optional toppings
The wraps are delicious as-is, but you can add fresh toppings for color and crunch. Try any of the following:
- Shredded carrots
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Sprouts
- A squeeze of fresh lime
- Diced celery
- Crisp rice noodles
- Extra sauce
We usually enjoy this mixture wrapped in Bib or Romaine lettuce for a refreshing bite. Leftovers are excellent served over rice the next day if you prefer a warm bowl. Give this recipe a try—we think you’ll love it.
Enjoy!
Dianna
Other recipes you might enjoy
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Thai Panang Curry
- Thai Chicken Pizza
- Chicken Tikka Masala Mac and Cheese
- Cherry Salad with Gorgonzola and Toasted Almonds
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Thai Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
For Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai lime cashews, chopped (or roasted cashews/peanuts)
- 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
For Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Juice and zest from two limes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Wraps
- 1 large head Bib or Romaine lettuce, washed and leaves separated
Instructions
For Meat
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Add ground turkey, garlic, and ginger. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the meat is cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cashews, green onions, cilantro, and mint.
For Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, hoisin, and soy sauce.
- Stir in brown sugar, lime juice and zest, red pepper flakes, and salt until combined. Pour the sauce over the cooked meat and mix well.
- Spoon the saucy meat into lettuce leaves and enjoy taco-style.
Nutrition
originally posted on 01/5/19