Y’hello, Beastie! Imagine this: it’s a hectic weekday evening. You’ve got errands to run, kids to tend to, and dinner still isn’t on the table. That’s where these lettuce wraps shine. With a preparation time of just 10 minutesand a quick cooking time of only 5-8 minutes, you can have a fresh meal ready before you can say, “What’s for dinner?”
These lettuce wraps bring it all. The combination of sautéed ground turkey, bell peppers, and a delightful sweet chili sauce creates a symphony of tastes. And let’s not forget the crunch of candied peanuts and the freshness of cilantro. Each bite is a satisfying explosion of flavor!
- Quick cooking time—perfect for busy nights
- Healthier alternative to traditional wraps
- Flavorful mix of ingredients for a satisfying meal
As Chef Jamie Oliver once said,
“Healthy eating doesn’t have to involve complex recipes or endless cooking time!”
This perfectly captures the essence of these sweet chili turkey lettuce wraps. They’re simple, quick, and flavorful, proving that healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.
YOU WILL NEED
- 10 oz. ground turkey
- 1 unit baby lettuce (for wrapping)
- 4 tbsp. sweet soy glaze
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 lime
- 1/4 oz cilantro
- 1 oz sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1/2 oz peanuts
- cooking oil*
- butter**
- pepper***
- salt***
- sugar (optional)
*Cooking oil is any oil of your choosing. I personally use coconut oil in all my cooking.
**I personally use coconut oil instead of butter.
***Salt and pepper can do. Feel free to use more spices for richer flavor. I do.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash and dry produce. Dice bell pepper and onion finely. Separate lettuce leaves, discarding the root end. Quarter the lime and finely chop cilantro.
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high. Add peanuts, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 TBSP water. Cook, stirring, until water evaporates and peanuts are coated and toasted, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and wipe out the pan.
- Heat oil in the same pan over medium-high. Sauté bell pepper and onion with salt and pepper until tender and browned, 5-8 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Add more oil to the pan and cook turkey, seasoned with salt and pepper, pressing it into an even layer. Brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then break into pieces and cook through, 2-4 minutes more. Return veggies to the pan, stir in sweet soy glaze, chili sauce, and 1 TBSP butter. Cook until coated, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on plates and fill with the turkey mixture. Top with candied peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Tip: For a fun twist, serve everything in separate bowls and let everyone build their own wraps! Ensure ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165º.
NUTRITION FACTS
This recipe serves 4.
Calories: 255 | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Carbs: 19g.
CREATIVE SERVING IDEAS
Serving lettuce wraps can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Wrap Bar: Set up a DIY wrap bar. Lay out all the ingredients—cooked turkey, bell peppers, candied peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Let everyone build their own wraps. This not only makes for a fun dining experience but also caters to everyone’s preferences.
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a beautiful platter. Add lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for color. Your guests will be wowed by the presentation!
- Individual Servings: If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving wraps in individual portions. Place a few leaves filled with your delicious turkey mixture in a small bowl for each guest.
DIETARY SUBSTITUTIONS
Not everyone can enjoy the same ingredients, and that’s perfectly fine! Lettuce wraps are remarkably versatile. Here are some substitutions for common dietary preferences:
- Vegan: Replace ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. These options provide a hearty texture while keeping the dish plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your sauces, like sweet soy glaze and chili sauce, are gluten-free. You can also swap out regular soy sauce for tamari.
Remember, you can always mix and match ingredients to cater to everyone’s needs. It’s all about making the meal enjoyable for all!
DRESSING SUGGESTIONS
Dressing can take your wraps from good to extraordinary. Here are some dressing ideas that will complement your wraps:
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Drizzle some spicy peanut sauce over the top for an extra kick. This enhances the flavor and adds creaminess.
- Lime Vinaigrette: A simple lime vinaigrette made with lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey can brighten up the wraps.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who love heat, a dab of chili garlic sauce will do wonders.
EXPERIMENTING WITH INGREDIENTS
What’s the fun in cooking if you can’t experiment? Don’t be afraid to try different fillings and toppings. Maybe you like candied peanuts for their crunch. Or perhaps you prefer to add some fresh cilantrofor a burst of flavor. You can even squeeze a bit of lime over the top for that zesty finish. The possibilities truly are endless!
As the saying goes,
“The beauty of food lies in the endless possibilities it holds.” – Unknown
This couldn’t be more true when it comes to wraps. The base is simple, but the toppings can change everything.
Lettuce wraps offer a canvas for endless creativity. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick meal, these wraps can be tailored to fit any occasion. You can cater to dietary preferences, play with different dressings, and even let your guests get involved in the assembly process. So, explore how you can customize your wraps based on your cravings! Who knows, you might discover a new favorite combination.
Now, grab some fresh lettuce, and let’s get wrapping, Beastie! Don’t forget to check the Beasts shop for recipe ebooks. And if you try this recipe, tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram so that we can cheer your creation.