Lettuce Wraps ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

Lettuce Wraps


Last week, Andie from Can You Stay For Dinner made some very tasty looking lettuce wraps that she dubbed Chinese Turkey Lettuce Wraps.  Immediately, I knew I was going to make them!

Typically, I tend to have trouble incorporating protein into my diet.  I'm not sure what it is, but uncooked meat just looks so unappetizing.  I never think "Mmmmm!  This looks scrumptious!" at the supermarket as I do when I see colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables.  Yep, never an impulse buy for me.

Also, I've never been accustomed to the idea of having a slab of dry, tasteless protein smothered in a sauce with veggies & starch on the side.  It was always something I forced myself to eat rather than enjoyed.  Thus, I end up having to sneak protein into veggie-based dishes: Chili!  Soup!  Paella!

Thankfully, I now have another recipe to add to the mix!


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy



Chinese Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Adapted from Can You Stay For Dinner



Makes 4 servings


Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce, found in the Asian food section of the grocery store
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey breast
  • 2 cups finely chopped button mushrooms
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1” knob of fresh gingerroot, finely minced
  • 2 large carrots, grated (about 1 ½ to 2 cups)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely minced
  • 6 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce

Optional:
  • Sriracha sauce, to serve


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy
Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy


Directions

1.  In a small bowl, whisk sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Set aside.


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy
Hoisin sauce has a thick consistency and smells amazing!


2.  Add olive oil to a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat.  Add ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes, using a spatula to crumble the meat.

3.  Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is no longer pink and the mushrooms have begun to soften.

4.  Add salt, chili powder, garlic, and ginger, and stir to combine.

5.  Add the reserved soy sauce mixture to the pan and stir to coat all ingredients. Cook for 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy


6.  Add carrots, bell pepper, scallions, and water chestnuts, and give the whole pan one final stir. Remove from heat.


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy


7.  To serve: Divide lettuce leaves among four plates. Spoon a small amount of the turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf and fold to eat.  Top sriracha if using.


Lettuce Wraps on Diane's Vintage Zest!  #recipe #healthy


The results are fantastic, and so easy to adapt to whichever veggies might be in your refrigerator at this moment!  In fact, the original recipe did not call for bell pepper, but it adds a bit of color and crunch if added towards the end.

Bon appétit!




38 comments:

  1. They really, really are! I'm not kidding when I say that we are going to have these in our rotation because they're really tasty.

    Try them for yourself and you'll see how scrumptious they are! The best part of it is that you can have a lot of food for not a lot of calories and fat. Super yummy AND nutritious!

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  2. LOVE the step by step photos! And really great idea to include optional sriracha :)

    Andie

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It was an excuse to try out my guy's fancy camera, and I'm afraid I got a little snap happy. :)

      I didn't change much from your recipe besides the sriracha, the addition of bell pepper, and using fewer carrots (due to them being more finely grated).

      And honestly, I had to take a picture on a romaine leaf because I was too impatient to run to the grocery store for iceberg at the time. I have a couple of heads now, so I may need to have a photo retake. :)

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  3. Replies
    1. It's seriously one of my favorite easy recipes now, and I love how many veggies that I can pack in while still being absolutely delicious!

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    2. I'm co-hosting the Sweet & Savoury Sunday Link Party this weekend and wanted to invite you to stop by my blog (ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com) tomorrow and share your awesome recipe!! You're welcome to bring a couple other favorites to the party as well if you'd like ;) Hope to see you and your yummy wraps there, Diane! Have a wonderful day!!

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    3. Sure! The more links, the merrier. :)

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    4. Thanks, Diane!! I was so happy to see you made it today!! Thanks for linking up! Have a great week!! :)

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  4. These look amazing! The addition of grated carrots is brilliant, and looks so pretty! I made a variation on these this week but didn't use brown sugar either, two good ideas I'm going to use next time!

    www.domesticblisssquared.com

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  5. I love lettuce wraps! I'll for sure be adding these to our menu. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friday

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    Replies
    1. You need to right away! They are delicious, and I wish I had one right now...

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  6. These look delicious! I love lettuce wraps and am always looking for healthy recipes. I would love for you to come and share this over at our link party!

    http://www.huckleberrylove.com/2013/03/much-ado-about-monday-no-2-and-features.html

    Hope to see you there,

    Jamie
    www.huckleberrylove.com

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  7. Hi..over from Watch out Martha.....
    This dish looks amazing and I know it taste really great.
    Linking up to follow...come by to see me when you can.

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  8. Mmmm, going to give these a try. Thanks for sharing! di @ musings

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  9. These sound and look amazing! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share your post with us.
    http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/03/centerpiece-wednesday-and-wrap-up_26.html
    Karin

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  10. YUM! I'm going to try these tonight!
    With 4 kids, it's hard to satisfy everyone, but this might just do it!
    Thanks so much for linking up at Give Me The Goods Monday! Can't wait to see what you link up next week!
    Amy from www.commona-myhouse.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Great! I wouldn't say no to these if my mom made them!

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  11. Looks seriously yummy! Thanks so much for sharing at my Real Family Fun link party.
    Hope to see you again next week.
    KC

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  12. Just love your Lettuce Wraps, Diane! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  13. Looks so goooooooood!!! THANK YOU for sharing and linkin up to Sunday FUNday!

    Kristine -The Foley Fam {unedited}

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  14. Great idea :) Thanks so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop!
    Hope you can join us again this week!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/03/the-creative-homeacre-hop-9.html

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  15. Thanks for being a guest at Diana Rambles today. I've pinned this post and have blasted the guest spot over social media!

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  16. Hi Diane,
    These are awesome lettuce wraps that we will just love. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
    Miz Helen

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  17. This looks so light and flavorful Diane… thank you so much for bringing it to foodie friday. happy new year.

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  18. LOVE Lettuce Wraps!! Lettuce is so versatile! :D

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  19. These look so tasty, and healthy too. I'll give them a try soon. Visiting from Inspire Me Monday.

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  20. Great! I hope you enjoy them. :)

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  21. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week! Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your new Red Plate.
    Miz Helen

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  22. Thank you! Have a great weekend as well. :)

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I love to hear your comments! And putting in your two cents is always free. :)

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