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Lettuce Wrap Turkey Tacos

Lean ground turkey seasoned with chiles and cumin, served in crisp iceberg lettuce cups.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic see notes
  • 1 4 oz can diced green chiles see notes
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.25 tsp ground chipotle or cayenne pepper
  • 2 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp salt more or less to taste
  • 0.5 cup green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cilantro chopped, see notes
  • 2 T fresh lime juice
  • 2 heads iceberg lettuce see notes

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add 1 tsp minced garlic and the 4 oz can diced green chiles; cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in 1.5 tsp ground cumin and 1/4 tsp ground chipotle or cayenne and cook about 1 minute more to bloom the spices.
  • Add 2 lb ground turkey and 1 tsp salt; break the meat apart with a turner and cook until the liquid has evaporated and the turkey begins to lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Do not rush browning.
  • While the turkey cooks, thinly slice 1/2 cup green onions and finely chop 1 cup cilantro; wash and dry the cilantro first.
  • Peel and dice avocado (if using), place in a bowl and toss with 2 T fresh lime juice; stir in chopped tomato and chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste.
  • Cut off the root end of the iceberg lettuce, remove the core and discard tough outer leaves; cut remaining head into quarters to form cups for filling.
  • When the turkey is lightly browned, add the sliced green onions and cook 1–2 minutes more.
  • Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cup of chopped cilantro and 2 T lime juice; adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  • Spoon turkey mixture into lettuce cups and top with the avocado–tomato–cilantro mixture as desired.

Equipment

  • large heavy frying pan
  • spatula or turner
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • salad spinner or paper towels

Notes

  • Use iceberg for sturdy, crisp cups.
  • Drain excess liquid from the turkey if needed after browning.
  • Adjust chipotle/cayenne to control heat.
  • Fresh lime brightens the flavors.
  • Wash and dry cilantro before chopping.