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Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

spicy thai basil ground turkey lettuce wraps - featured image
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These Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are a quick, fresh, and flavorful homemade lunch or light dinner option that balances heat, freshness, and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped (sweet basil as substitute)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed (iceberg or romaine works too)
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, can substitute with extra soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons water or coconut milk (to thin peanut sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional), 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons water or coconut milk. Whisk until smooth and set aside. Add water a teaspoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  2. Prep the Fresh Ingredients (5 minutes): Rinse and separate the butter lettuce leaves, pat dry. Mince garlic, thinly slice green onions, and roughly chop the Thai basil leaves. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Ground Turkey (10-12 minutes): Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if turkey is very lean. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with red chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs and Green Onions (2 minutes): Stir in chopped Thai basil and sliced green onions. Heat will wilt basil slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the Wraps (3 minutes): Spoon a generous amount of turkey mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle or dip with peanut sauce to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning turkey to ensure caramelization. Keep turkey mixture and peanut sauce separate from lettuce if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess. Fresh Thai basil is preferred for authentic flavor. Adjust chili flakes or add sriracha for more heat. Lime juice brightens the dish and balances richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil, ground turkey, lettuce wraps, peanut sauce, spicy, quick lunch, healthy, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/spicy-thai-basil-ground-turkey-lettuce-wraps-recipe-for-easy-homemade-lunch/