Happy first day of spring! Now let’s get bikini ready with these easy, healthy Asian ground turkey lettuce wraps.
I have 2 reactions when it starts to get sunny outside.
1. Yea! It’s almost summer!
2. Oh my GOD! I’m going to need to wear a swim suit soon.
Please tell me you all do that too.
So I’ve been hitting the gym since Monday telling myself, “I can be bikini ready in a month? Right? Oh MAN! Why didn’t I start this in January like everyone else?!” Then I answered myself with “That’s because……I was…….injured…….Oh yea!…..That’s right! From that hard fall skiing in January? And I thought I broke my butt, but really I just bruised my tail bone? And it hurt to even sit down, let alone do sit ups. That’s why I tell ya!”
Then I don’t feel so guilty.
Along with working out all week (and walking around like a cripple because my legs are so sore from doing squats and lunges), I’ve been eating better. Which means Shawn is eating better too. Yesterday I came home from the gym starving and asked him at 5:30 if he was hungry for dinner.
“Meh.”
“Meh? What do you mean meh? You’re not starving? Wait a minute, Shawn. Whatdidyouhaveforlunch?”
“Chipotle.”
“Shawn! You had Chipotle for lunch?! That’s not fair! I had a protein shake and snap peas. I’m going to kill you.”
“Don’t worry Nat. It was a veggie burrito! I didn’t even get meat. It was basically a salad.”
The guys got a lot to learn about nutrition.
Truth be told, I would choose these healthy Asian ground turkey lettuce wraps over a Chipotle burrito any day. They are that good! It’s lean ground turkey cooked with onion, fresh ginger and soy sauce. Spoon it into a lettuce cup, top it with crunchy shredded carrots, green onions, peanuts and that amazing Asian peanut sauce I made on Tuesday. Oooohweee it’s tasty!
And easy to make too. I can have this dinner on the table in 25 minutes. Great for days after the gym when I’m so hungry I could eat the couch, but so wiped out all I want to do is lay on that couch as I eat it. Poor couch. Don’t worry, I won’t eat you. I’ll just sit on you as I eat my way thru at least 3 of these Asian turkey lettuce wraps.
Healthy Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Prep Time: 5 mins- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 people 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
For the turkey mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3” long piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
Toppings
- 1 head butter, Bibb or Boston lettuce
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- Asian peanut sauce
Instructions
- In a medium size skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onions, ginger, salt and pepper, cooking until the onion starts to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground turkey to the same skillet along with the onions, garlic and ginger, breaking it up as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Add in the 1/4 cup soy sauce, turn the heat up to high until all of the soy sauce is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the cooled ground turkey into the lettuce cups and top with shredded carrots, green onions, peanuts and Asian peanut sauce.
- The turkey mixture will keep in an airtight container for 1 week in the fridge.
Notes
The cold leftovers make an amazing salad the next day. Just tear the lettuce and top with the cold turkey mixture, shredded carrots, scallions, peanuts and asian peanut sauce.
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Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven says
March 20, 2014 at 5:49 amYeahh! I had a feeling there was other Asian food coming after seeing your peanut sauce on Tuesday. These lettuce wraps are just perfect for the first “official” day of spring. Your photos are gorgeous as usual—these wraps look so bright and fresh!
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:40 amThanks Sarah! These are such a spring dish. This might be one of my favorite things to make. So good!
nikki says
April 7, 2016 at 8:09 pmNOTE ON THE SALT :These wraps are so flavorful and delicious but ..I just made them….and I accidentally made them with half the salt and they were waaaaaay to salty. I love salt but even for me way too salty ….just thought I’d share ….the opinion was unanimous with the whole fam …..was still yummy and I’m looking forward to making it again with just the soy sauce as the salt source. :)
★★★★
Natalie says
May 5, 2016 at 8:26 pmGlad you liked them, even if they were too salty. I’m coming to realize we are a salt loving family, hahah! So definitely use a lot less if you don’t like your food that salty. Thanks for sharing!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
March 20, 2014 at 6:15 amThese wraps look awesome! I love the step by step instructions because it really helps me visualize the cooking process. Pinned!
★★★★★
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:41 amThanks Layla! I’ve been thinking of doing a few more “step by step” photos, if only to help out people who aren’t that confidante of a “cook”. I noticed you did some today too! Great minds think alike : )
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
March 20, 2014 at 6:38 amThe truth is I’ll take your lettuce wraps over the Chipotle burrito as well. As much as I love Chipotle I love lettuce wraps even more and they don’t leave me feeling like I just ate a truck. Haha :) Natalie, seriously, these look fabulous.
★★★★★
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:42 amYou and me both Kathy! Especially with summer coming up. I hate being super full when it’s warm out. You’re so right about feeling like you ate a truck after eating one of those burritos, haha! Thanks for your compliments Kathy!
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating says
March 20, 2014 at 6:39 amUgh, don’t even talk about bathing suit season! Yikes. Of course we are in Michigan, so I have a looooooooong way to go before that happens, unfortunately. These look nice and light! Darryl and I were just talking about lettuce wraps the other day. Yum!
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:44 amI knowwwww! Here in California swim suit season comes much too early. Like, April. At least you have more time in Michigan. But that also means you probably have more winter too.
These lettuce wraps are so good! I bet even your kids would like them : )
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
March 20, 2014 at 7:46 amTurkey lettuce wraps are a favorite in our house. I definitely need to try them with the Asian peanut sauce! And I don’t even want to start thinking about swimsuit season. I don’t have as much time to work out in the spring because I am so busy with work, so I always dread having to fit into my swimsuit :)
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:45 amI love lettuce wraps. I make so many different kinds, but this one might be my favorite. And the peanut sauce definitely makes it. I bet this is a crazy time of year for you Ashley. April 15 can’t come soon enough!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
March 20, 2014 at 7:50 amThese turkey wraps look AWESOME! That Asian peanut sauce is incredible!
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:45 amThanks Shashi! The peanut sauce definitely makes these lettuce wraps. So good!
Caitlin @ teaspoon says
March 20, 2014 at 8:20 amMmm I could go for some of these tonight for sure. I made pad thai earlier this week with a peanut sauce, but this looks more bikini season friendly. Whenever I’m trying to eat healthy, Jon always has a bag of salt and vinegar chips around. Not nice! At least Shawn ate it during work so you didn’t have to be tempted :)
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:47 amOoooh, now I want pad thai! But I’m trying to not eat carbs for a while. So hard! Whenever I’m eating healthy I force Shawn to do it too. Otherwise I would go nuts. But as you can tell, he pretty much does what he wants when I’m not around. Hahaha!
cheri says
March 20, 2014 at 9:01 amThese look so good, love this presentation Natalie, I could eat this everyday.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
March 20, 2014 at 9:28 amThese are definitely perfect for getting ready for bikini season! Looks great.
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
March 20, 2014 at 9:45 am1) Welcome to my life. I was always pudgy kid and now turned into a, ahem, pudgy adult, haha. Even as a guy, bathing suit season stinks!
2) Love lettuce wraps. Love peanut sauce. Add them together, amazing!!!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
March 20, 2014 at 10:11 amI know exactly what you’re talking abt Nat! daylight savings comes around and my first thought is omg sunlight happiness yay!! and then my second is sh** I’ve gotta be practically naked in front of people soon – PANIC. lol so glad we all do it.
These looks seriously incredible! pinning / adding to my meal plan next week :)
Natalie says
March 20, 2014 at 10:48 amHa! It’s like we have the same brain! Why must swim suits be so revealing! Thank goodness for self tanner. Makes me feel a little better. Thank you so much for your compliments Christine! You da best : )
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
March 20, 2014 at 12:28 pmUgh, don’t remind me about bathing suit season! I’m still trying to get rid of holiday poundage. I love lettuce wraps. These sound so easy and tasty!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
March 20, 2014 at 1:11 pmSo glad you got your bikini ready already, Natalie! Thanks for the happy reminder that summer is on its way!
Every time I see a recipe a little similar to this, I really want to try it. Love your recipe especially though as it’s so easy … and I bet the peanut sauce just finishes it off beautifully!
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
March 20, 2014 at 1:52 pmI *love* lettuce wraps! You know how to make me hungry…even though I just ate. And it’s funny, because as I was reading the post, I was thinking how great the leftovers would be for lunch when I brown bag it. Then I saw your note at the bottom of the recipe. Great minds think alike!
Glad to hear your butt is better! Ha! A bruised tailbone is no fun. But hooray for you for hitting the gym. Get it, girl! You’re definitely going to show that bikini who’s boss!
Natalie says
March 21, 2014 at 9:36 amThe leftovers make a great salad! Great minds definitely think alike. And you totally inspired me to start working out more. If you can train for a marathon, I can get on the elliptical for 30 minutes! Right? Have a good weekend Ashley!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
March 20, 2014 at 3:10 pm1)tailbone bruises are THEE WORST.
2)are you spooning ginger?? Am I about to learn a magical ginger peeling secret???
3) a veggie burrito is basically a salad. I’m with Shawn.
4) this looks amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing.
Natalie says
March 21, 2014 at 9:19 amI totally peel my ginger with a spoon! Do you use a veggie peeler? I probably should do that. But I was watching a Martha where she said to use a spoon, and I figured she’s the expert. Haha!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
March 20, 2014 at 5:16 pmHaha I love that! “It’s basically a salad”. Don’t worry, after this birthday weekend of OVER indulging on cake we agreed to “whip into shape” umm..that is difficult with cravings! Love these wraps, they look delicious and love that they are healthy – probably best for me to start on them!
★★★★★
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
March 20, 2014 at 5:41 pmCongrats for making it to the gym!
I love lettuce wraps and can’t wait to try this with that sauce.
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
March 20, 2014 at 10:35 pmThese lettuce wraps are stuff dreams are made of! Talk about a perfect recipe for healthy eating while still enjoying an awesome and flavorful meal. “It was basically a salad” — haha! I’ve heard a few lines like that before. Oh men. :)
…and I must be overtired because I read the garlic cloves in the recipe as “ground cloves”. I was going to comment on what an interesting flavor twist, Natalie! Haha
kelly says
March 21, 2014 at 3:00 amYum, love lettuce wraps and yours look incredible Natalie! They sound perfect with the yummy peanut sauce and love that they are bikini-friendly too :) Gorgeous photos too – pinning :)
Kelly - LEFT SIDE OF THE TABLE says
March 21, 2014 at 7:26 amYUM! Holy cow, this looks amazing. I love lettuce wraps…everything about them! Eeks, the thought of bathing suit season upon us, shakes me up too lol. BUT what better time to start working on things than right now right? Eating healthy can be delicious, like this recipe. Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to try!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
March 21, 2014 at 11:59 amSame page! I was just telling my husband this morning that I need to buckle down and get serious with trying to lose weight. I’ve been wanting to make lettuce wraps and these look devine! Definitely must make these! And I love love love your photos. You always take beautiful pictures but these are some of my favorite so far. :)
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
March 22, 2014 at 7:36 amI adore healthy, fresh dinners like this! And Asian flavors too, so these wraps are definitely a must-try ;–) Your pics look gorgeous!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
March 22, 2014 at 3:53 pmJust came across your blog Natalie and I love these lettuce wraps. the Chicken lettuce wraps at PF Changs are my favorite and these look similar. I’m sure they taste amazing!! :)
Sarah & Arkadi says
March 27, 2014 at 6:12 amthese look healthy indeed! love the colours!
Louisa [Living Lou] says
March 31, 2014 at 12:15 pmCan you believe that I had a lettuce wrap for the first time two weeks ago? They never really appealed to me, but boy, was I wrong! I’m now obsessed with lettuce wraps and can’t wait to give yours a try, especially with the peanut dipping sauce!
Pam says
April 21, 2014 at 8:41 amI think my whole family would love these!
Katie says
March 3, 2015 at 7:32 pmLove this recipe! I have already made it twice – definitely a new regular for me! So quick, easy & tasty!!! not to mention healthy!
★★★★★
Natalie says
March 4, 2015 at 11:30 amI am so happy to hear that Katie! This recipe is one of my families favorites. Thank you for letting me know you liked my recipe! You just made my day!
Krista says
October 4, 2015 at 12:58 pmI made this last night and it was really good! I added some sesame oil while stir frying. I found the boston lettuce leaves were really fragile so I made some brown rice and threw everything else on top. I also added some sriracha.
It was delicious! My man liked it too! I will be making this again for sure.
★★★★
Natalie says
October 5, 2015 at 9:37 amI am so glad you liked it Krista! I love your idea of adding rice. I want to try that next time! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked my recipe. You just made my day!
Libby says
October 8, 2015 at 12:34 pmthis looks great and trying this out tonight. I’m not sure if the peanut sauce is 1cup peanut sauce or 1cup sweet chili sauce. Is it reversed or is it right?
Natalie says
October 8, 2015 at 1:01 pmThe peanut sauce is 1 cup sweet chili sauce and a big tablespoon of peanut butter. You want it to still be “pourable”, if you do too much peanut butter it gets real thick. Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter until it’s the consistency you like. Hope you like it when you try it!