Wraps: Ginger Cashew Turkey Lettuce

If I had to put my finger on what is it about these lettuce wraps that Worth keeping, I’d have to say it’s a tie between the crunch of the lettuce, the gingery-crunchy-sauciness, but mostly because I get to eat with my fingers.

Oh yeah, and they’re sorta healthy which is always a bonus.

So as I walked around the grocery store the other morning, I picked up things that I recalled having in my wraps in the past. Three words: Ginger. Cashews. Water Chestnuts. But on a serious note, can we rename those already? Chestnuts, truly?

So I genuinely hope you don’t mind another Asian inspired meal. I’m like a pregnant woman craving pickles and ice cream over these things. And no I’m not pregnant in real life, unless it gives me permission to eat 6 of these. Then yes, yes I’m pregnant.

No, genuinely I’m not. (Pat, you can calm yourself right on down.)

To Make These Ginger Cashew Turkey Lettuce Wraps Gather:

for the filling:

• cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce as it simmers.
• honey – Lends sweetness and flavor.
• toasted sesame oil – Gives this dish a toasty warm flavor.
• low-sodium chicken broth – Lends subtle flavor and stretches out the sauce.
• low-sodium tamari – Or substitute with low-sodium soy sauce.
• rice vinegar – Gives the sauce subtle tang.
• red pepper flakes – For subtle heat. (can be omitted)
• olive oil spray – Helps to sauté the ginger and garlic without the extra fat.
• green onions – Lends a delicate onion flavor.
• ginger (fresh) – Use finely chopped or store-bought ginger paste.
• garlic cloves – Use peeled and finely chopped or store-bought garlic paste.
• lean ground turkey – Or substitute with ground chicken.
• water chestnuts – Adds savory crunch.
• grated carrot – Adds sweetness, texture and a pop of color.
• romaine lettuce – Or use bibb or iceberg lettuce leaves.

for serving:

• cashews – I like to toast these first, then roughly chop.
• lime wedges – Adds a pop of fresh citrus flavor.
• fresh cilantro – Lends bright herbaceous flavor.
• green onions – Lends a delicate onion flavor.

Make The Sauce:

First, in a small mixing bowl, measure and add 2 teaspoons cornstarch with, 2 teaspoons honey, 1-1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine.

Make The Saucy Filling:

Next, heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray the pan with olive oil and add in 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, 2 large cloves of garlic (also minced) and the light part of 3 green onions, sliced. Saving the remaining dark green parts for serving.

Then add in the ground turkey. Using a wooden spatula, break the turkey into small crumbles and cook until no longer pink – about 10 to 12 minutes.

Once the turkey is fully cooked, drain off the liquids (if any) and add in the 3/4 cup of chopped water chestnuts and 1/2 cup grated carrots. Give that a toss and let cook at medium to medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes.

Next, whisk the sauce one more time before pouring it into the skillet and then continue to stir until the sauce has thickened.

This picture doesn’t genuinely do this justice.

First off, because ground turkey is beige and ugly. But I promise you this is so savory! Give it a speedy taste and add a couple more tablespoons of tamari or salt to taste.

Serve The Lettuce Wraps:

Rinse and pat dry a bunch of romaine lettuce leaves and fill with about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture.

Serve topped with sliced green onion, minced fresh cilantro and a teaspoon or so of chopped cashews.

Traditionally iceberg or bibb lettuce is the wrap of choice. However I like romaine because you can hold it like a taco. However, you could completely serve the mixture on cauliflower rice or with brown rice or even noodles.

The flavors in these ginger cashew lettuce wraps are standout. The whole recipe is so straightforward to prepare and flavor-packed. They entirely put the kibosh on my lettuce wrap craving AND it’s reliable for meal prep too!

Enjoy! And if you give this Ginger Cashew Turkey Lettuce Wraps recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!