Save to Pinterest Savory ground turkey in a creamy sweet-salty Thai peanut sauce makes these lettuce wraps a fast favorite in my kitchen. The crunch of fresh vegetables and the squeeze of lime add brightness and the whole dish comes together in under 40 minutes. Effortless enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to friends.
This wrap recipe became my go-to after a summer picnic when I needed something light but totally delicious. Since then it has made weeknight dinners so much more exciting and cleanup is fast.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: brings lean protein and soaks up all that sauce
- Vegetable oil: helps everything sauté evenly
- Yellow onion: adds a natural sweetness and builds a savory base
- Garlic and fresh ginger: give the filling aromatic depth and zing
- Creamy peanut butter: creates that signature Thai taste choose a natural kind for best flavor
- Soy sauce: offers balanced salt and umami pick low sodium if you prefer
- Hoisin sauce: lends extra sweetness and body
- Rice vinegar: brings a little acidity that wakes up all the flavors
- Honey: balances spicy and salty with just a touch of sweetness
- Sesame oil: gives richness and a subtle roasted edge
- Red pepper flakes: add gentle heat include only if you want some kick
- Butter or Bibb lettuce: makes for crisp but tender wraps choose leaves without tears for easy wrapping
- Carrots: add color and crunch go for vibrant orange
- Red bell pepper: offers fresh sweetness and another pop of color
- Fresh cilantro: keeps things bright and herbal
- Roasted peanuts: give a final crunchy topping toasted ones have the most flavor
- Green onions: provide sharpness and extra green
- Lime wedges: help every bite taste even more fresh squeeze just before eating
- Choose the freshest veggies and opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar: for best results
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together peanut butter soy sauce hoisin sauce rice vinegar honey sesame oil red pepper flakes and water until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy This will be the flavor punch for your wraps
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium heat Add chopped onion and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the pieces begin to soften and become translucent Stir often to avoid browning
- Build the Flavor:
- Add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger into the skillet Sauté for one minute stirring constantly until their aroma fills your kitchen and the mixture softens further Watch closely so the garlic does not burn
- Cook the Turkey:
- Add ground turkey to the skillet Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through Stir regularly so no pink remains
- Combine Sauce and Turkey:
- Pour in your prepared peanut sauce and stir well to coat all the turkey pieces Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly This step lets the flavors meld
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Arrange clean dry lettuce leaves on a platter Spoon generous amounts of turkey mixture into each leaf Try not to overstuff so the wraps hold together
- Finish with Toppings:
- Top each wrap with julienned carrots bell pepper fresh cilantro roasted peanuts and green onions right before serving Squeeze lime juice over everything for a final bright note
Save to Pinterest The creamy peanut butter is absolutely my favorite part It ties everything together with just the right blend of salty richness My kids love piling on extra peanuts and making their own wraps at the table turning dinner into a fun hands on experience
Storage Tips
Store extra turkey filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave For best texture keep lettuce and toppings separate until ready to eat
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap ground chicken for turkey or try firm tofu for a plant based option If you need it gluten free use tamari and certified gluten free hoisin sauce Sunflower seed butter works well if you need it nut free
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wraps with jasmine rice or brown rice for a more filling meal Try adding sliced cucumber bean sprouts or even diced avocado for a twist Fresh herbs like mint or extra cilantro also brighten the dish
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these lettuce wraps as a light main course or party appetizer They are sure to become a favorite for their bold flavor and crunchy texture
Common Recipe Questions
- → What lettuce is best for wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce is ideal thanks to its tender, cup-shaped leaves that hold the filling well.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, use crumbled firm tofu instead of ground turkey for a flavorful plant-based alternative.
- → What garnishes enhance these wraps?
Julienned carrots, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and sliced green onions add both flavor and crunch.
- → How spicy is the sauce?
The red pepper flakes offer mild heat, but you can adjust or omit for personal preference.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Jasmine rice, sliced cucumbers, or bean sprouts are excellent sides to serve alongside these flavorful wraps.