Teriyaki Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Sweet tangy homemade teriyaki sauce hugs lean ground turkey and tender veggies in crisp lettuce leaves for a meal that is both nourishing and crave-worthy I keep this recipe on repeat when I want something light but deeply satisfying for lunch or dinner

My crew always lights up when I set out a platter of these lettuce wraps I first made them in the heat of summer as a quick no oven dinner and now they are requested all year long

Ingredients

• Low sodium soy sauce: brings savory umami and keeps things balanced look for a brand with simple ingredients
• Red wine vinegar: lends gentle acidity and depth use a good quality for best flavor
• Brown and granulated sugar: create a perfect teriyaki sweetness be sure they are fresh so they dissolve smoothly
• Minced garlic and ground ginger: deliver authentic flavor and a little bite always use fresh if you can
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the turkey make sure it is lump free
• Ground turkey: is lighter than beef but still plenty satisfying choose lean but not ultra lean for juiciness
• Broccoli: adds crunch and color chop it very fine for even cooking
• Carrots: naturally sweet and beautiful when grated go for bright firm carrots
• Diced onion: boosts flavor base yellow or white onions work great
• Vegetable oil: ensures even sautéing use a neutral oil here
• Large lettuce leaves: offer a fresh sturdy wrap Romaine Iceberg or Butter Lettuce all work pick crisp unblemished leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine the soy sauce water red wine vinegar both sugars garlic and ginger in a small saucepan Set over medium heat and whisk continually until the sugar granules dissolve completely getting a smooth base

Create the Slurry:

In a separate bowl blend the warm water with cornstarch Whisk until the cornstarch is totally dissolved so there are no lumps to thicken the sauce later

Thicken the Sauce:

Raise the heat to medium high Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture whisking the whole time Simmer until you see the sauce thicken and become glossy then set it aside

Prepare the Turkey Filling:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high Add the diced onions and cook until they go soft and translucent about three to four minutes The slow cooking brings out sweetness

Brown the Turkey and Add Veggies:

Crumble the ground turkey and minced garlic into the pan Stir and cook the turkey until most of the pink is gone about halfway through add the finely chopped broccoli and grated carrots Stir well so the veggies soften but still keep a bit of bite as the turkey finishes cooking

Sauce and Simmer:

Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and veggies Stir everything so the sauce coats every bite Simmer gently for about five minutes to let the flavors mingle

Assemble Wraps:

Spoon generous amounts of the teriyaki turkey mixture into each large lettuce leaf Arrange on a platter and serve right away with extra sauce on the side if you like

Save This

I always look forward to the richly savory teriyaki sauce that soaks into those crunchy lettuce leaves My oldest loves to help assemble them and things get a little messy but it is always a fun hands on dinner around our table

Storage Tips

Store leftover turkey mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The lettuce leaves are best kept separate so they do not get soggy Reheat the filling gently in a skillet or microwave and fill fresh lettuce wrappers each time

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground chicken or lean ground pork for turkey if preferred You can add diced bell peppers for extra crunch If you have only regular soy sauce reduce added salt elsewhere in the recipe Gluten free soy sauce or tamari can be used for a wheat free version

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wraps as a main course alongside a big bowl of steamed rice or even cauliflower rice They make a pretty appetizer spread if you are hosting friends I love to sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flair

Cultural Context

Teriyaki is a Japanese inspired technique but this dish riffs on classic Asian American lettuce wraps Combining sweet salty umami flavors with crisp greens makes it a family favorite across cuisines

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different protein instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or ground beef also work well in this dish, adapting easily to the Teriyaki flavors and lettuce wraps.

→ Which lettuce is best for wrapping?

Romaine, iceberg, and butter lettuce all hold up nicely and provide a crisp texture perfect for filling.

→ Is it possible to make the Teriyaki sauce ahead?

Absolutely. The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making assembly even quicker at mealtime.

→ How do I avoid soggy lettuce wraps?

Be sure to thoroughly dry lettuce leaves and let the filling cool slightly before assembling to keep them crisp.

→ Are there any recommended vegetable add-ins?

Chopped bell pepper, snap peas, or mushrooms add extra flavor and crunch to the turkey filling.