These ground turkey lettuce wraps are one of those quick, no-fuss meals I turn to when I want something fresh but flavorful.
The turkey is cooked up with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce until juicy and savory, then spooned into cool, crisp lettuce cups.
Drizzle everything with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce and boom—flavor bomb. It’s light, low-carb, and packs a punch.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons crushed roasted peanuts
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Why I Love This Recipe
This one always hits the spot—especially when I want something fast, fresh, and full of flavor. I first made these for a friend’s potluck, and they disappeared in minutes. Since then, they’ve been on rotation in my weeknight meals.
- Full of flavor but still light
- Comes together in 20 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep or sharing
- The spicy peanut sauce is ADDICTIVE
- You don’t even miss the carbs
Servings: 4
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ground turkey is lean, so we use sesame oil and hoisin sauce to add fat and depth. Ginger and garlic bring sharpness, while soy sauce gives umami. The peanut butter emulsifies with the sauce ingredients, creating a creamy, rich texture that clings to every bite.
Tools You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground chicken or tofu instead of turkey
- Almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Romaine or iceberg instead of butter lettuce
- Add diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for crunch
- Use chili garlic sauce instead of sriracha
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the turkey—just until browned and juicy
- Warm the peanut butter slightly to make the sauce easier to mix
- Separate lettuce leaves gently to avoid tearing
- Serve the wraps immediately so the lettuce stays crisp
- Adjust sriracha to your spice level
Make Ahead Tips
- Cook the turkey filling and make the peanut sauce up to 3 days ahead
- Store lettuce separately and assemble wraps just before serving
How to Make Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and 2 tablespoons warm water until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics, then Add the Ground Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar to the browned turkey. Stir to combine and let simmer 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Place butter lettuce leaves on a large plate. Spoon the turkey mixture into each leaf. Drizzle with spicy peanut sauce, then top with shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts.
Step 6: Serve
Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a round ceramic serving plate. Add lime wedges around the edges for squeezing, and serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the filling is warm.
Macros (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 10g
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Store turkey and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Keep lettuce leaves dry and separate
- Reheat turkey gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving
- Assemble wraps fresh for best crunch
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the turkey—makes it dry
- Not mixing the peanut sauce fully—can separate
- Using lettuce that’s too small or too wet—makes wraps fall apart
- Assembling too early—lettuce gets soggy
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Quick cucumber salad
- Chili-garlic edamame
- Pickled veggies
- A cold sparkling drink or iced tea
FAQ
Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes! It’ll be richer—just drain the fat before adding sauces.
Is it very spicy?
It’s got a mild kick. Add more or less sriracha to your taste.
Can I meal prep these?
Totally—store components separately and assemble when ready.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Sure, it’ll add texture. Just make sure it blends well.
What lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce is soft and bendy, but romaine or iceberg can work too.
Wrap-Up
These Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. The spicy peanut sauce ties it all together, and they’re just as good for lunch as they are for dinner. Try them out and drop a comment to let me know how yours turn out—I’d love to hear!