This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.
These Thai peanut turkey lettuce wraps are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Crisp lettuce leaves are filled with savory ground turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce for a healthy meal that tastes better than takeout.
They’re quick to make, packed with texture and flavor, and one of our favorite light summer dinners.
I love these ground turkey lettuce wraps! Years ago I was living in Chicago and we all went out to PF Changs for dinner. Everyone was ordering the lettuce wraps and I was like, “meat in lettuce??… yeah sounds really great…blah!” And then I tried them and they were awesome!!!!!!!! I was totally thinking it would be lame, but it was delicious.
This is one of my favorite meals to make in the summer months when you want a light easy meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Fresh and light but still filling
- Better than takeout
- Packed with crunchy texture and flavor
- Great for meal prep
- Easy to customize with extra veggies or different proteins
Ingredients for Turkey Lettuce Wraps
A quick and easy recipe is just what I need in the summer time! It always seems like we are running to a soccer practice or rushing in from being at the pool, and simple and delicious is my summer jam! Here are the ingredients that you will need…
For the Filling
- Ground Turkey: Lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly for an easy high-protein filling.
- Celery: Adds fresh crunch and texture to the filling.
- Carrots: Bring a little sweetness and color to the filling.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and bright flavor. Orange or yellow peppers work great too.
- Onion: Adds savory depth and flavor to the turkey mixture.
- Garlic: Gives the filling bold, aromatic flavor.
- Slivered Almonds: Add the best crunchy texture and a little nutty flavor.
For the Sauce
- Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy, rich sauce with classic Thai-inspired flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth to balance the savory flavors.
- Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and balances the acidity and saltiness.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet, savory depth and classic Thai-inspired flavor.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor that makes the filling taste restaurant-quality.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds salty, savory flavor and rounds everything out.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a little heat and balance the sweetness.
- Lettuce Leaves: Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce work best because they’re crisp, sturdy, and easy to wrap.
How to Make Turkey Lettuce Wraps
These turkey lettuce wraps come together fast (just 30 minutes!) and are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cook the turkey: Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet until almost cooked through. Transfer to a bowl.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the celery, carrots, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine: Return the turkey to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Assemble: Spoon the turkey filling into lettuce leaves and top with slivered almonds and sliced green onions.
Serve them with steamed rice, extra peanut sauce, or fresh cucumber slices for an easy takeout-style dinner at home.
Turkey Lettuce Wraps FAQs
Turkey lettuce wraps are a great lighter dinner option because they’re high in protein and naturally lower in carbs than traditional wraps or rice bowls. Using lean ground turkey and crisp lettuce keeps them fresh and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce are our favorites because they’re sturdy and crisp while still flexible enough to wrap around the filling. Romaine works too, but it tends to crack more easily.
Use large lettuce leaves without tears and double up thinner leaves for extra support.
PRO TIP: Eat your lettuce wraps over an extra lettuce leaf so any filling that falls out becomes your next wrap.
Absolutely. Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well in this recipe.
Variations for Lettuce Wraps
Adding other vegetables to the turkey filling is a great way to stretch out the filling if you want a few more wraps. A few great options would be peas, chopped mushrooms, shredded cabbage or chopped broccoli.
If you don’t have ground turkey, you could use ground chicken, beef or even pork.
Topping the wraps with chopped peanuts is also a great way to add more peanut flavor.
What to Eat with Lettuce Wraps
These Thai peanut lettuce wraps make a perfect lunch or a great light dinner recipe. They can also be a great appetizer, just like they are at PF Changs. If you serve them as an appetizer, they would be a superb prelude to any of the following main dishes…
Storage Tips
Store the filling separately from the lettuce if you have leftover. The filling will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The filling also freezes very well and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the filling on the stove top until warmed through and serve with fresh lettuce leaves.
These healthy turkey lettuce wraps are great for meal prep. Store the filling and lettuce separately, then assemble fresh when ready to eat.
These turkey lettuce wraps are one of those dinners that feel fresh and light while still being super satisfying. The crunchy veggies, savory turkey filling, and creamy peanut sauce are such a good combination, and they come together fast enough for even the busiest weeknights.
More Delicious Asian Recipes to Try:
Watch How This Recipe is Made…
