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Turkey & Veggie Lettuce Wraps - Fresh, Light, and Satisfying

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is a good balance of flavor and moisture)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional but adds umami)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (greens for topping)
  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine hearts, leaves separated and washed
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or 2 teaspoons honey for a lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving (optional but brightens everything)

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce and veggies: Separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince garlic and ginger, and chop mushrooms if using. Keep everything within reach.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin (or honey), sesame oil, and sriracha. If you like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
  3. Brown the turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens slightly.
  5. Stir in vegetables: Add bell pepper, carrot, and mushrooms. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until tender but still crisp. You want a bit of bite for texture.
  6. Sauce it up: Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the mixture evenly. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning—more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or sriracha for heat.
  7. Assemble: Spoon the turkey-veggie mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if you like.
  8. Serve right away: These are best when the filling is warm and the lettuce is cold and crisp.