Thai style lettuce wrap with turkey

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After the holiday festivities, finding creative ways to repurpose leftover turkey can be both fun and rewarding. These Thai-style Lettuce Wraps offer a fresh and flavorful way to transform your leftover turkey into a light and satisfying meal. Perfect for those who crave something different after indulging in rich holiday dishes, these wraps are a quick and healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The recipe combines tender turkey with crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory blend of sauce. Wrapped in cool, crisp lettuce leaves, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The creamy peanut sauce adds a spicy, nutty kick that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Whether you’re serving these wraps as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a fun dinner option, they’re sure to please. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your family’s taste preferences. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can turn leftover turkey into a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will love.

Prep time 20 minutes  Cook time 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour Yields: 4-5 serving

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 teaspoon oil

• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded and lightly chopped

• ⅓ cup sliced onion

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

• ⅓ cup carrot , shredded

• ⅓ cup finely shredded cabbage

• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon Thai sweet red chili sauce (optional)

• Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce 

• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons peanut (or almond butter or sunflower seed butter) 

• ¼  teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 2 teaspoon sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)

• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Splash of water

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, and ginger, cooking while stirring occasionally until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

• Add the shredded turkey, carrots, cabbage, red bell pepper, soy sauce, and Thai sweet chili sauce (if using). Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Make the Peanut Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, freshly grated ginger, sriracha, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Gradually add hot water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir until well combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:

• To serve, take a lettuce leaf and add a large spoonful of the turkey mixture into the center of the leaf. Drizzle with a bit of the peanut sauce.

• Top with sliced green onion and chopped cilantro.

•  Serve the wraps immediately.

Easy Sweet Chili Sauce (optional)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well.

2. Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while stirring. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator.

Notes and Suggestions:

Lettuce Options: Butter lettuce works well because of its soft texture, but romaine or iceberg lettuce can also be used for a crunchier wrap.

Protein Alternatives: This recipe is versatile; try substituting the turkey with shredded chicken, pork, or tofu for a different variation.

Peanut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter in the sauce.

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and sauce ahead of time, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for a quick lunch or easy snack.