Skip to main content

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps

Fresh and filling meal with a warm blend of rice, vegetables and a savory sauce.
Plate of lettuce boats filled with a turkey and carrot mix.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sugar, granulated or brown
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¾ pound lean ground turkey (15% fat)
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 Tablespoon minced fresh ginger or ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove of garlic, minced
1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 cups cooked brown rice
8 large lettuce leaves

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a small bowl, blend the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and hot sauce.
  4. In a large skillet, sauté turkey, celery and carrot until the turkey begins to brown, 10 minutes. Break turkey into crumbles as it cooks.
  5. Add ginger and garlic. Cook 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in soy sauce mixture and water chestnuts. Cook 2 minutes longer.
  7. Stir in cooked rice. Heat through.
  8. Serve in lettuce leaves.
  9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No water chestnuts? Use chopped celery instead.
  • No sesame oil? Use any type of vegetable oil.

Comments

I recently made these Lettuce Wraps for an Older Adult audience and they were well received. I used Tamari in place of Soy Sauce as it was a gluten-free option, and contained less sodium. I also love to mince fresh ginger and garlic cloves instead of using the powder version with this recipe. I have made this several times using mushrooms in place of the water chestnuts. Two thumbs up!!

This is a family favorite recipe.  We leave the rice out and it comes out wonderful.  We made vegetable fried rice to go on the side with this dish to make a meal. This is probably one of the most requested meal in the house. 

I have made this recipe wth several groups in hands-on cooking workshops over the last month and people are loving it!  Most groups have added extra garlic.  When I make it at home, I replace the water chestnuts and celery with mushrooms and broccoli to suit my family's preferences.

I made this yesterday and served it at an event for adults.  It was very popular!  People found it looked appealing and were excited to try it.  Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe. I will definitely be making this one again.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salmon Pasta Skillet
Bowl of pasta shells and salmon garnished with parsley.

Salmon Pasta Skillet

Whole grain pasta, canned salmon and tomatoes come together for a delicious and nutritious pasta meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Ants on a Log
Celery sticks spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins are displayed on a plate in a pinwheel formation. In the middle of the plate is a celery and peanut butter stick with mini pretzels extending out of the peanut butter like the wings of a butterfly.

Ants on a Log

Have some fun with this snack! Peanut butter, raisins and your imagination can be used to fill and decorate crunchy celery sticks.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Ranch Dressing
Bottle of creamy dressing shown served over a salad.

Ranch Dressing

Make your own creamy ranch dressing at home.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
12 Tablespoons
Green Salad with Peas
Lettuce bed topped with peas and feta cheese on a plate.

Green Salad with Peas

Fresh green salad, tossed with peas, cucumber and creamy feta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Turkey Salad
Bowl of turkey cubes, apples and an array of chopped vegetables over a bed of lettuce.

Turkey Salad

Diced turkey, crunchy vegetables and sweet raisins combined with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
Sliced tomatoes with herbs and broiled cheese are shown on a serving platter.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

A great summer recipe for your garden tomatoes! Easy-to-make appetizer or snack!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
8 slices