Turkey Lettuce Wraps (Thai Larb Gai)

Chili Cucumber fresh lettuce fresh mint ground rice ground turkey healthy meal high protein Larb Gai Low Carb nutrition facts peanuts Recipe red onion sticky rice Thai turkey lettuce wraps zesty lime sauce

Posted October 13, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Crafted with fresh lettuce leaves, seasoned ground turkey, a zesty lime sauce, crisp vegetables, and a sprinkle of peanuts, these Thai turkey lettuce wraps offer a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and aromatic flavors. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Thai Larb Gai recipe, these lettuce wraps can be savored on their own or alongside sticky rice, creating a wholesome and protein-rich meal.

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Hailing from Laos and the rural areas of Northeastern Thailand, Larb Gai is a light chicken salad that combines fresh mint and red onion, dressed with ground rice, lime juice, and chilies. While a traditional Larb Gai primarily uses ground chicken, I’ve opted for ground turkey in this recipe, offering a simple twist and making use of what was readily available in my freezer. However, feel free to choose whichever meat you have on hand, as both options promise a flavor-packed dish suitable as either an appetizer or a light main course.

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Inspired by the traditional Thai Larb Gai, these turkey lettuce wraps are equally delicious when served hot or cold, making them a delightful appetizer or a light main course.

Ingredients

Turkey Mixture:

1 pound ground turkey
2 tablespoons dry white rice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons peanut or sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
1 Thai or bird’s eye chili, seeded and minced
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped mint
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

Lettuce Wraps:

1 head of Bibb lettuce, leaves separated
1 cup shredded or finely chopped red cabbage
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the dry rice and toast, stirring frequently, until the rice is well-toasted and turns dark brown, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the rice to a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder and grind it into a fine powder.
Once ground, combine the ground rice, fish sauce, brown sugar, water, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.
In a large skillet, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili and cook for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, slightly increasing the heat, and continue cooking while breaking the turkey into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.
When the turkey is nearly cooked through, add the rice mixture, stirring to coat the turkey, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the minced red onion, mint, and cilantro, ensuring even distribution throughout the turkey mixture.
To serve, spoon the turkey filling into lettuce leaves and garnish with cabbage, cucumber, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime.