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)

Slow Cooker Beans
Crock Pot with cooked red kidney beans.

Slow Cooker Beans

Making beans in the slow cooker is easy and can save you money. Season them the way you like and make enough to freeze for more easy meals.
Prepare:
5 minutes + 6 hours soaking
Cook:
4 to 6 hours
Makes:
6 cups
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Plate of baked zucchini halves filled with red sauce and melted cheese.

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Simple 4-ingredient meal topped with warm marinara sauce and melted cheese!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 small zucchini halves
Bell Pepper Smoothie
Creamy and purple Bell Pepper Smoothie is displayed in a glass.

Bell Pepper Smoothie

This kid-approved smoothie combines veggies with sweet berries and pineapple. A tasty way to add more veggies to your meals!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Cauliflower Salad
Photo of Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower Salad

Tender veggies with a creamy dressing make a perfect side dish. Great for summer BBQs!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Bell Pepper Nachos
Bell pepper pieces are topped with beans, salsa and cheese for a variation on classic nachos.

Bell Pepper Nachos

A great recipe to get the whole family involved! This unique and healthy take on nachos can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Salsa Macha
Bowl of thin red salsa shown drizzled over chicken and vegetables.

Salsa Macha

You will love this pepper-infused oil made with hot peppers, garlic and peanuts. It is delicious drizzled on just about anything and stores well in your refrigerator or freezer.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups