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Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups

These Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups are crisp, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with umami goodness. Juicy turkey, crunchy water chestnuts, sautéed mushrooms, and a bold, savory sauce come together in a healthy handheld bite that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Turkey Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms finely diced
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced (white & green parts separated)
  • 8 oz canned sliced water chestnuts drained and chopped
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Asian Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp chili garlic paste Sambal Oelek or similar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

To Serve:

  • Butter Bibb, or romaine lettuce leaves (washed and dried)
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Extra green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep Veggies: Dice mushrooms and water chestnuts. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
  • Cook Mushrooms: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tsp sesame oil and sauté mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper until soft (about 3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • Cook Turkey: In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Brown turkey, breaking it into crumbles. Once mostly cooked, add garlic, ginger, and sliced green onion whites. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Combine: Return mushrooms to the pan and stir in chopped water chestnuts.
  • Make Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over turkey mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Cook another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Assemble: Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with green onion greens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Swap turkey with ground chicken or tofu for variation.
  • For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or fried shallots.
  • Serve with a side of jasmine rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
  • Add shredded carrots or red bell pepper for more color and nutrients.
  • Store leftovers separately to keep lettuce crisp.