Name: Healthy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 lb lean ground turkey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat); 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; Butter lettuce leaves, for serving; Optional toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges

Why You’ll Love Healthy Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it’s both healthy and flavorful—lean turkey keeps things light, while the hoisin, soy sauce and rice vinegar bring richness and depth. The crunch of water chestnuts and freshness of green onions add texture and brightness. Plus, the wraps come together in about 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or easy lunch meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lean ground turkey
olive oil
garlic, minced
ground ginger
green onions, sliced
water chestnuts, drained and chopped
hoisin sauce
lower‑sodium soy sauce
rice vinegar
roasted red chili paste
salt (a small pinch)
large lettuce leaves (such as Bibb/Butter lettuce)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground turkey, garlic and ground ginger; cook until the turkey is browned and crumbled.
Add the green onions and chopped water chestnuts to the skillet with the turkey. Stir to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar and roasted red chili paste. Pour this mixture over the turkey filling and stir until the turkey is well coated.
To serve: Spoon about ¼ cup of the turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf. Wrap or fold the leaf around the filling and enjoy immediately so the lettuce remains crisp.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: Around 20 minutes

Variations

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or pork.
Adjust the roasted red chili paste for more or less heat, or substitute with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Add shredded carrots or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use different lettuce types such as romaine or iceberg if Bibb isn’t available.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari and certified gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the turkey filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing: Freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm the turkey mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water if needed. Assemble wraps just before serving for best texture.

FAQs

What type of lettuce should I use?

Bibb or Butter lettuce works best for its tender texture and cup-like shape, but romaine or iceberg are good alternatives.

Can I skip the water chestnuts?

Yes, you can leave them out or replace with chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots for similar crunch.

Is this recipe low carb or diet‑friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for many diet plans.

How spicy is the dish?

Mild to moderately spicy depending on how much chili paste is added. You can adjust to your taste.

Can I make the turkey mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the filling in advance and store in the fridge or freezer. Assemble wraps fresh before eating.

Are these gluten‑free?

They can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and a certified gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, by replacing the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and chickpeas.

What sides pair well with these wraps?

Cucumber salad, steamed green beans, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are all great options.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

Only fill the lettuce leaves right before serving to keep them crisp.

Is the filling only for wraps, or can I use it another way?

You can use the turkey filling over rice or quinoa, in tortillas, or even as a stuffing for vegetables.

Conclusion

These healthy turkey lettuce wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy bold Asian‑inspired flavors in a light, fresh format. The lean turkey, flavorful sauce and crisp lettuce make them satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether you’re crafting a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a healthy lunch, this recipe delivers both ease and taste — give it a try and it may become a new favorite in your routine.