Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Got an Asian craving but aren’t interested in ordering take out? Or are you looking for a quick, healthy meal? Either way, I’ve got you covered with my recipe for Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce.
Crunchy bites of crisp lettuce wrap minced turkey cooked in a spicy, gingery peanut sauce. And you can have this dish on the table in less than 30-minutes. Double the batch if you want leftovers for the next day. The flavors only get better in the leftovers.
Making the Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps Ahead
If you want to make ahead and freeze for extra easy meals, do not add the carrots until you are ready to cook. If you’re not freezing it, you can add the carrots when cooking and reheating will okay.
This dish is also great when served at room temperature, so it works well for parties or get togethers. Use baby buttercrunch lettuce leaves to make small cups for making small finger foods.
Substitutions (Gluten-Free Option)
While we LOVE this wrap with the minced turkey, you can also use minced chicken or pork in the place of the turkey. I do not recommend swapping out for beef. The flavor profiles are too far apart with this sauce combination.
If someone has a peanut allergy, you could swap in almond or cashew butter or another nut butter. Or if you’re into more peanut flavor and crunch, use crunchy peanut butter. Or you could even add a small handful of peanuts to the pan when you add the sauce.
On the cilantro, basil will make an excellent substitution. Thai basil even better.
And for those who want a gluten-free option, substitute in Tamari in the place of the soy sauce.
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Wrapping It Up
We absolutely love this dish. Sometimes making it a couple of times a month. It’s hard not to become addicted to the spicy, sweet, peanuty, crunch of each bite mixed with the salty gingery Asian flavors.
But don’t worry, if you’re not craving Asian flavors right this second, I’ve still got you covered. TACOS! Can you really go wrong with tacos? I mean actually these lettuce wraps are tacos in a lettuce shell. Okay, okay, check out my recipe Turkey and Lentil Tacos with Apple Fennel Slaw and Honey Chipotle Aioli. Another not to miss turkey recipe.
And PLEASE let me know in the comments if you’ve tried the Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps and what you thought of them. Got questions? Leave those as well.
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 ½ – 2 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced or finely grated
- ½ tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp veggie oil divided
- ½ medium-size onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- juice from half a lime
- 1 cup carrots diced
- ½ cup green onion tops sliced
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1-2 hearts Romaine or green leaf lettuce leaves separated, washed, and dried
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, water, chili paste, ginger, and hoisin sauce in a microwave-proof container.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until peanut butter is melted and combines into the sauce. Set aside until needed.
- Heat half tablespoon veggie oil in a medium-size skillet on medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add minced turkey and cook until meat is cooked through.
- Pour in prepared sauce. Stir well and cook the mixture until sauces thickens and clings to meat. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the reserved oil to the skillet. When hot, add the carrots and sauté until crisp-tender.
- Return the meat mix back to the pan and stir in the sautéed carrots, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately or at room temperature on prepared lettuce leaves.