Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
I’ve always been a big fan of lettuce wraps, and these Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps have quickly become one of my favorites to add to the collection. They’re light yet satisfying, bursting with flavor but not overly spicy—making them an excellent option for the whole family. The creamy peanut sauce ties everything together beautifully, coating the tender ground turkey and crisp, shredded carrots for the perfect balance of savory, nutty, and fresh. Every bite has that irresistible mix of textures: cool, crunchy lettuce paired with warm, flavorful filling and rice.
Of course, not everyone in my house is as enthusiastic about lettuce wraps as I am. My husband, for example, prefers something a little heartier. To keep everyone happy, I simply cook up some extra rice and serve his portion as a Thai turkey rice bowl instead. It’s the same delicious flavors, just in a different form—and it proves how versatile this recipe really is. Whether you enjoy it wrapped in lettuce or served over rice, it’s a meal that can easily be tailored to fit different tastes at the table.
Ingredients for Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- PEANUT BUTTER
- SOY SAUCE
- RICE VINEGAR
- WATER
- SESAME OIL
- LIME JUICE
- OLIVE OIL
- ONION
- GARLIC
- THAI RED CURRY PASTE
- GROUND TURKEY
- CARROTS
- RICE
- PEANUTS
- BUTTER LETTUCE OR ROMAINE LETTUCE
- GREEN ONION
Instructions for Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of water until it reaches a creamy, dressing-like consistency. Set aside.
Cook the filling – Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and Thai red curry paste. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the curry paste is fragrant and evenly coats the onions.
Add the turkey – Stir in the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked through.
Finish the filling – Add the shredded carrots and prepared peanut sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until the turkey and vegetables are evenly coated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Assemble the wraps – Spoon the filling into crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, or any of your favorite toppings.
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings and is ideal for a light dinner, meal prep, or as a fun appetizer for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and Bibb lettuce are my favorites because they’re soft, flexible, and naturally cup-shaped. Romaine leaves also work well if you prefer a crunchier wrap.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the filling and spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add extra Thai red curry paste, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of sriracha to turn up the heat.
What if I don’t like lettuce wraps?
No problem—this recipe is super versatile. Serve the filling over rice or noodles for a heartier meal, or even in tortillas for a fun fusion twist.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or pork works beautifully with the peanut sauce and veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves unwashed until you’re ready to serve, so they stay crisp.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the turkey filling freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What toppings go well with these wraps?
Chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime juice all add extra flavor and crunch.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Slow Cooker Asian Lettuce Wraps
- Easy Asian Lettuce Wraps
Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp water more if needed
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
Filling
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup carrots shredded
To serve
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice
- Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves
- green onions to garnish
- peanuts to garnish
Instructions
- For the sauce, add all of the oingredients to a small bowl and whisk together. Add more water if needed to get the right consistency, You want it to be likea creamy dressig consistency.
- For the filling, in a large skillet, heat oil in and add the onions, garlic and Thai red curry paste. Stir until red curry paste is heated through and mixed in evenly with the onions (2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, until no pink remains and the turkey is cooked through
- Stir in the shredded carrots, then the peanut sauce. Stir to combine. Toss until everything is evenly coated, then set aside to cool slightly.
- To serve, spoon some of the rice, followed by some of the filling, into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with green onions and/or peanuts, and enjoy! Serves 6.
