Easy Thai-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Ground Turkey Edition
I don’t know about you, but I’m always on a quest for healthier, gluten-free alternatives AND flavor-packed dishes. I think Thai-Inspired Lettuce Wraps with Ground Turkey is a total winner.
Jump to RecipePost updated 2/1/24 to include new descriptions, recipe card and images.
Why Thai Lettuce Wraps with Ground Turkey?
Lettuce wraps, a staple in Thai cuisine, are traditionally celebrated for their crisp freshness and versatility. By incorporating ground turkey, a leaner alternative to the commonly used pork or beef, we not get a meal that is rich in protein yet low in fat, serves as a blank canvas, eagerly absorbing punchy Thai flavors – from the umami-packed fish sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free!) to the zesty lime, the fiery chilies, and the aromatic herbs.
Family Dinners are a Must in Our House
I’m a stickler for family dinners. Even if it means we have to eat at 5 o’clock–and not a minute later. Even if it means we have a grilled cheese sandwich, or BLT. But I’d rather gather around the table for a few minutes in the late afternoon to reconnect, than take turns eating at the counter, or in the car, or at the desk while doing homework. Life is busy. So, so busy. But life is also short. I have a son in high school which means that we only have four more years to eat dinner all together, just us. It’s hard to believe that time flies so quickly. Seems like just yesterday I had a preschooler, a toddler and an infant. I suspect that during mealtimes back then, more food made it onto the floor than into their bellies.
But now we have a surly teen, a clownish near-teen, and a highly emotional tween that share our table. Instead of rolling peas off their plate, they roll their eyes. Instead of dropping food on the floor, they drop bombs (I have a project due tomorrow and you have to take me to this store and this store and help me type it…uh, please.) Instead of messy faces we hear stories of messy friendships. Our family has changed, but our family dinner has remained largely the same. A place to eat, a place to share, a place to love and a place to be loved.
Top Tips for Enjoyable Family Meals
So how do I make this nightly ritual happen day after day after day? Here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way.
- Teach the kids how to set the table. And yes, this means where forks, knives and spoons go. Once they learn how it will take them only a few minutes. We use cloth napkins too, and have numbered napkin rings so we can re-use the napkins a few nights in a row to cut down on laundry.
- Serve only water (and wine for the grownups if you want) with dinner. I bought a cut-glass pitcher at a thrift store that is the perfect size. Adding a few lemon and cucumber slices makes the water delicious and everyone will drink more. Water is free…water is good for you. Whole milk is good too.
- Light candles. It takes 5 seconds and makes even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches seem special. Which leads me to my next point.
- KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie). Yes, it’s okay to serve sandwiches sometimes. Or scrambled eggs. (Even the most gourmet chefs do too). The point is hanging out together, not eating a fancy dinner.
- Ask your kids about their day. We do highs and lows. Or sometimes I ask the kids to tell me something that made them laugh. Or to tell me about something they learned. Whatever I do, I don’t ask, How was your day? because I know what they’re going to say…(mumble mumble fine mumble).
- And finally, do not nag your kids at dinner–not about homework, not about what they are eating or not eating, not about their behavior last weekend. Dinnertime is not the place for discipline. Remember you want them to want to come to the table (and that’s hard enough when they are teenagers, believe me). The dinner table should be a happy place. That said, it is okay to expect that everyone use good manners.
Dining on Thai Lettuce Wraps with Ground Turkey: A Gluten-Free Family Crowd Pleaser
So that’s not too difficult, right? Most nights, (with good planning), I can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Go crazy and try that 20-step recipe on weekends if you want. But trust me, you’ll be happier if you keep it simple on the weeknights. Remember that old saying…if mama ‘aint happy, ‘aint nobody happy? It’s so true. An easy way to be happier is to spend time with your family around the dinner table. Promise. And despite all that complaining they’ll do, they will be happier too. Oh, and if you happen to be on the prowl for one of those perfect, easy weeknight meals, try these lettuce wraps with ground turkey. As a bonus, they’re hecka good too.
More Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas
- Gluten Free Creamy Mushroom Chicken on Rice
- How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven (With Sausages + Grapes)
- Gluten-Free Supper Recipes for the New Year – A Fresh Start!
Did you make this lettuce wrap with ground turkey recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!
Easy Thai-Inspired Lettuce Wraps with Ground Turkey
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ cup minced shallot
- 1¼ pound ground white meat turkey 97% lean
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free tamari
- 3 juiced limes
- 1 bunch green onions (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves
Instructions
- Heat canola oil over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet. Cook the shallot, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add turkey and break apart with a spatula. Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any juice or fat and return to the heat.
- Add fish sauce, tamari and lime juice to turkey and stir. Cook for two minutes more, taste for seasoning then put in a serving bowl.
- To serve, put ¼ cup of meat in a lettuce leaf, then top with some green onions, some fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of peanuts.
Nutrition
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