These ground turkey lettuce wraps are filled with savory meat, tender zucchini, and aromatic garlic and onions. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
If you're looking for an easy, healthy meal that doesn't skimp on flavor, this recipe is for you. It's quick to throw together on a weeknight. The mix of fresh veggies and lean protein keeps me feeling full without feeling heavy.
I first started making lettuce wraps when I was trying to cut back on carbs, and they’ve stayed in my meal rotation ever since. There’s something so satisfying about the crisp bite of lettuce paired with warm, savory ground turkey. It’s also a fun way to change up dinner when I’m tired of the usual ground beef stir-fry and slow-cooker chicken thighs.
Ingredients
- Boston bibb, romaine hearts, iceberg, or butter lettuce – Used as a low-carb wrap that adds crunch and holds the filling together.
- Olive oil – Helps sauté the ingredients and adds a touch of healthy fat for flavor and cooking.
- Ground turkey – Provides a lean, protein-packed base that soaks up the seasonings well.
- Chopped onion – Adds savory depth and a slight sweetness when cooked.
- Zucchini – Brings in extra nutrients, moisture, and a mild flavor that complements the turkey.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with its bold, aromatic punch.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the savory and spicy elements.
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos – Infuses the filling with umami flavor and a hint of saltiness.
- Ginger – Adds warmth and a spicy-sweet note for a more complex flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – Brings a mild heat to give the wraps a little kick.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Wash the lettuce leaves and pat dry. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add garlic, onion, and meat. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is crumbled and browned.
Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook over medium heat until the zucchini is tender.
Hint: Make sure to thoroughly pat the lettuce leaves dry so they hold the filling better and don’t get soggy.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize this Asian turkey lettuce wraps recipe:
- Add more veggies – Try shredded carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Switch the protein – Use ground chicken, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.
- Change up the sauce – Add a drizzle of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sriracha, or peanut sauce for a new flavor twist.
- Make it spicier – Increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños for more heat.
- Top it off – Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
Tips
Top tip: Cook the ground meat until it's nicely browned. This adds a deeper, richer flavor and prevents the filling from being too watery.
- Use a nonstick or well-oiled skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t overfill the lettuce wraps to keep them easy to handle and less messy.
- Prep all your ingredients before cooking for a smoother, faster process.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce.
- Store leftover filling separately from the lettuce to keep both fresh.
Serving suggestions
These ground turkey lettuce wraps make a great appetizer or light meal on their own, but you can also pair them with a few simple sides to round things out. I like to serve them with a side of yellow squash soup for a cozy and low-carb combo. If you're hosting or feeding a group, you can even set up a build-your-own wrap bar with toppings like chopped green onions, shredded carrots, or crushed peanuts.
If you're meal prepping or packing lunch, keep the lettuce and filling stored separately and assemble right before eating to maintain freshness. These wraps also work well served cold or at room temperature, which makes them perfect for picnics or on-the-go lunches. For a more complete meal, serve them alongside my broccoli slaw to keep things easy, healthy, and delicious.
Storage
To store any leftovers, keep the filling and lettuce leaves separate to maintain freshness and texture. Place the cooked turkey mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Store the clean, dry lettuce leaves in a separate container lined with a paper towel to help absorb moisture and keep them crisp.
When you're ready to eat, reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave it in short intervals until warmed through. Then simply spoon the warm filling into the fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy the lettuce wraps.
FAQs
Boston bibb and romaine hearts are both great options because they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling but still soft and flexible for wrapping.
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and can be made fully keto by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and adding high-fat toppings like avocado or sesame oil.
Absolutely! The filling freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 16 leaves Boston bibb or romaine hearts lettuce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 medium zucchini sliced and quartered
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Wash lettuce leaves and pat dry. Set aside.
- Heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic, onion, and meat. Cook over medium high heat, about 5 to 7 minutes, until meat is browned.
- Add remaining ingredients, cover and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat until zucchini is tender.
Gloria L Merriman
Looking forward to trying. Great to have recipes for two.