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)

Herb Flavored Water
Glasses of ice water with mint and rosemary.

Herb Flavored Water

Create your own herb-flavored water recipe for refreshing hydration.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Chicken Pepper Bake
Bowl filled to the brim with baked bite-size potatoes, chicken and bell peppers.

Chicken Pepper Bake

An easy-to-make chicken recipe with potatoes, peppers and Cajun spices!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce
Tomato sauce blend being shown spread onto pizza dough.

Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce

A quick and easy pizza sauce full of rich and tangy tomato flavor and Italian herbs.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Beet Dip
A bowl of beet dip is served with jicama, carrot and celery sticks.

Beet Dip

Fresh earthy flavor combined with tangy lemon and creamy tahini makes this a flavorful and colorful dip!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Orange Rice Salad
Big bowl of a colorful mixture of rice, orange and parsley.

Orange Rice Salad

This flavorful combination of rice, citrus, nuts and raisins makes a popular side dish. Add a protein for a filling and satisfying lunch.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Peach Sundae
Small bowls of yogurt with a soft peach topping.

Peach Sundae

A 5-minute yogurt peach sundae with juicy peaches, sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups