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Homemade Asian Lettuce Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey recipe photo
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Asian Lettuce Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey

A quick, flavorful Asian-inspired lettuce cup made with spicy ground turkey, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 T peanut oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 T minced red onion or shallots
  • 2 T minced garlic jarred or fresh
  • 2 T grated or minced ginger fresh or jarred
  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
  • 4 T soy sauce see notes for gluten-free option
  • 1 T chile garlic sauce or more to taste
  • 1 tsp. fish sauce
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/3 cup peanuts chopped, optional
  • 1 head lettuce large head or 2 small heads, leaves separated

Instructions

  • Prepare ingredients: finely chop the red onion or shallots, measure the garlic and ginger, chop cilantro, and chop peanuts; separate and wash lettuce leaves, then dry.
  • Whisk together the soy sauce, chile garlic sauce, and fish sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add the minced red onion and cook about 2 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic and ginger and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula; add a little more oil if the pan looks dry.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the turkey and cook, stirring and breaking apart, until the turkey is browned and the sauce is absorbed, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook 1–2 minutes more to combine and warm the herb.
  • Transfer the turkey mixture to a serving bowl. Arrange the washed lettuce leaves on a platter and place chopped peanuts in a small bowl.
  • To serve, spoon the turkey into individual lettuce leaves, top with peanuts as desired, fold or wrap the lettuce around the filling, and eat immediately.

Equipment

  • large non-stick frying pan
  • spatula or turner
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Cutting board and knife
  • small bowl (for peanuts)
  • salad spinner or clean towels

Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce if avoiding gluten.
  • Adjust chile garlic sauce to control spiciness.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger add brighter flavor than jarred versions.
  • Chopped peanuts are optional for crunch.
  • Use a firm-leaf lettuce like butter or romaine for easier filling.