Why You’ll Love Mouthwatering Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still homemade and wholesome. The combination of lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables creates a nutritious base, while the peanut sauce adds rich, bold flavor.
You’ll love how customizable these wraps are. Whether you prefer extra spice, more crunch, or a different protein, they’re easy to adapt. They’re also naturally low in carbs thanks to the lettuce wraps, making them a lighter alternative to traditional wraps or tacos.
Best of all, they’re fun to assemble and serve, making them great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground turkey
butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves
carrot, finely diced or shredded
celery, finely chopped
red bell pepper, diced
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
fresh ginger, minced
soy sauce
hoisin sauce
creamy peanut butter
rice vinegar
lime juice
sesame oil
olive oil or cooking oil
salt and black pepper
optional toppings such as chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or cilantro
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, and a tablespoon or two of warm water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
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Mix in the diced carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
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Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the turkey mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
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Remove from heat. Spoon the warm turkey mixture into clean, dry lettuce leaves.
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Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the peanut sauce.
Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, ground pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add finely chopped water chestnuts or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, stir in a small amount of honey or brown sugar.
For a heartier meal, serve the turkey mixture over rice instead of lettuce wraps.
Storage/Reheating
Store the turkey filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness.
To reheat, warm the turkey mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the mixture thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water to loosen it.
The turkey filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Fresh lettuce should always be added just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the turkey filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
What type of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce and romaine hearts work best because they are sturdy yet flexible enough to hold the filling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and checking that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
How do I keep the lettuce from tearing?
Choose larger outer leaves and avoid overfilling them. Pat them dry before assembling to prevent slipping.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas work well in this recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild in flavor. You can leave out spicy ingredients and serve the sauce on the side if preferred.
Can I serve this as a meal prep option?
Yes, store the filling separately and pack lettuce leaves on the side. Assemble just before eating.
What can I serve alongside these wraps?
They pair well with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or a light Asian-inspired slaw.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are the perfect combination of fresh, savory, and satisfying. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Light yet full of bold flavor, these wraps are sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
