Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate Korean-inspired dish that'll make your weeknight dinner absolutely unforgettable! These Turkey Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that combines the lean goodness of ground turkey with the bold, spicy kick of Korean cuisine. Imagine crisp, fresh lettuce leaves cradling a sizzling, gochujang-infused turkey mixture that's so delicious, you'll want to make it again and again. Whether you're a spice lover, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who craves an exciting meal in under 30 minutes, these Korean-style lettuce wraps are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the lettuce leaves, mincing garlic, grating ginger, and chopping green onions.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become fragrant and shimmer slightly.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula or cooking spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning.
- Once the turkey is mostly cooked and no longer pink, add soy sauce and gochujang. Stir thoroughly to combine and coat the meat evenly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and the turkey to develop deep flavor.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the turkey mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb remaining seasonings.
- Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter, creating individual wrap vessels.
- Spoon the warm turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf, ensuring even distribution.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the wraps if desired.
- Serve immediately while the turkey is warm, allowing guests to roll and wrap their own lettuce packages.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Boston or butter lettuce works best for wraps as they have large, flexible leaves that are easy to fold.
- Prevent Burning: When sautéing garlic and ginger, keep the heat at medium-high and stir constantly to avoid burning, which can make the base bitter.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the heat level. Start with less and add more if you want a spicier kick.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the turkey mixture in advance and reheat it quickly when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skip the green onions and sesame seeds - they add crucial texture and authentic Korean flavor.
- Serving Tip: Set up a DIY wrap station where everyone can assemble their own wraps, making it a fun, interactive meal.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a quick pickle or kimchi on the side to complement the rich turkey mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
