with Chef Robert Larios
Photography by Patricia M. Larios
Looking for a dinner that’s equal parts fun, flavorful and downright unforgettable? Enter these sweet chili turkey lettuce wraps—a masterpiece of taste and texture rolled into one. Imagine savory sautéed turkey mingling with crisp bell peppers, all bathed in a sweet and tangy chili-soy glaze that could make your taste buds dance.
Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, in comes the candied peanuts—because who doesn’t love a little sweet crunch in their life? Fresh cilantro adds a punch of greenery, and the romaine leaves wrap it all up in a crispy hug. It’s like tacos went on vacation to Thailand and brought back the best souvenirs for your dinner table. Prepare to impress yourself (and your lucky diners)!
These healthy and easy turkey lettuce wraps make the perfect quick meal prep option.
They’re flavorful, satisfying and great for a weeknight dinner!
Happy New Year and ¡Buen provecho!
Spicy, Sweet and a Little Nutty Turkey Lettuce Wraps
(Yes, We Said Candied Peanuts!)
Prep:
Rinse and pat dry all produce to prepare for your easy turkey lettuce wraps. Remove seeds and finely chop the bell pepper for added crunch. Cut the onion in half, peel it, and finely dice it to enhance the flavor of this healthy dinner recipe. Trim off the root end of the lettuce and carefully separate the leaves to use as wraps. Cut the lime into quarters for serving. Chop the cilantro into small pieces for a fresh garnish.
Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat for quick meal prep. Add peanuts, 1 teaspoon of sugar (or 2 teaspoons for larger servings), and 2 tablespoons of water into the pan. Stir and cook until the water evaporates and the peanuts are evenly coated and lightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer peanuts to a small bowl, and clean the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Vegetables
Drizzle a generous amount of oil into the pan used earlier and heat it over medium-high for this quick and healthy dinner recipe. Add the chopped bell pepper and diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate when done.
Add another drizzle of oil to the pan and return it to medium-high heat. Place the ground turkey into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and flatten it evenly with a spatula.
Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottom browns, then break the turkey into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes, ensuring the turkey is thoroughly cooked. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan and stir in sweet soy glaze, sweet Thai chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of butter (use 2 tablespoons for larger servings).
Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes until fully combined. Finish by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.
Ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safe consumption.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the lettuce leaves on plates and spoon the turkey mixture into them to create turkey lettuce wraps. Top each wrap with candied peanuts and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zest. Tip: For a fun and customizable dinner, serve the turkey mixture, peanuts and cilantro in separate bowls so everyone can assemble their own wraps!
Ingredients
Directions
Prep:
Rinse and pat dry all produce to prepare for your easy turkey lettuce wraps. Remove seeds and finely chop the bell pepper for added crunch. Cut the onion in half, peel it, and finely dice it to enhance the flavor of this healthy dinner recipe. Trim off the root end of the lettuce and carefully separate the leaves to use as wraps. Cut the lime into quarters for serving. Chop the cilantro into small pieces for a fresh garnish.
Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat for quick meal prep. Add peanuts, 1 teaspoon of sugar (or 2 teaspoons for larger servings), and 2 tablespoons of water into the pan. Stir and cook until the water evaporates and the peanuts are evenly coated and lightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer peanuts to a small bowl, and clean the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Vegetables
Drizzle a generous amount of oil into the pan used earlier and heat it over medium-high for this quick and healthy dinner recipe. Add the chopped bell pepper and diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate when done.
Add another drizzle of oil to the pan and return it to medium-high heat. Place the ground turkey into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and flatten it evenly with a spatula.
Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottom browns, then break the turkey into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes, ensuring the turkey is thoroughly cooked. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan and stir in sweet soy glaze, sweet Thai chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of butter (use 2 tablespoons for larger servings).
Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes until fully combined. Finish by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.
Ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safe consumption.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the lettuce leaves on plates and spoon the turkey mixture into them to create turkey lettuce wraps. Top each wrap with candied peanuts and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zest. Tip: For a fun and customizable dinner, serve the turkey mixture, peanuts and cilantro in separate bowls so everyone can assemble their own wraps!
Notes
Prep: Rinse and pat dry all produce to prepare for your easy turkey lettuce wraps. Remove seeds and finely chop the bell pepper for added crunch. Cut the onion in half, peel it, and finely dice it to enhance the flavor of this healthy dinner recipe. Trim off the root end of the lettuce and carefully separate the leaves to use as wraps. Cut the lime into quarters for serving. Chop the cilantro into small pieces for a fresh garnish.
Cooking Tidbit:
- Toast the Nuts Just Right: Stir constantly when candied peanuts are on the stove—the sugar coating can burn fast! A light golden color is your cue to stop.
- Season as You Go: Add salt and pepper at every step—veggies, turkey and sauces—to layer the flavors throughout the dish.
- Perfect the Wraps: Choose the largest lettuce leaves for easy wrapping and keep them cool for extra crunch.
Need more tips? Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at alive@employeesclub.com. Let’s make magic in the kitchen!
Food Quote: “A lettuce wrap is proof that the simplest vessel can hold the most extraordinary treasures.”
– Chef Robert Larios
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Food Lover’s Dictionary
Lettuce – There are hundreds of varieties of lettuce grown throughout the world, and, because they peak at different times of year, there’s always a plentitude of this universal salad favorite. Keep in the mind that darker green leaves contain the most nutrients. Bibliography: Herbst, Sharon Tyler, and Ron Herbst. The New Food Lover’s Companion. 2nd ed., Sourcebooks, 1995. |
