Save Experience a burst of fresh flavors with these Sesame Turkey Lettuce Wrap Bowls. This dish brings together the savory, umami-rich notes of Korean-inspired cuisine with the vibrant crunch of garden-fresh vegetables. It is a light yet incredibly satisfying meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a healthy meal-prep option.
Save By glazing the turkey in a mixture of gochujang and honey, we create a caramelized finish that pairs beautifully with the fluffy jasmine rice. The addition of cucumber ribbons and carrot matchsticks not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing snap that balances the heat of the chili paste.
Ingredients
- For the Sesame Turkey:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice
- 1 large head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 large cucumber, cut into ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)
- 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks or ribbons
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickled radishes (optional)
- For Serving:
- Additional toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
- Step 2
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 4
- Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the turkey is well coated and slightly caramelized.
- Step 5
- Stir in green onions and sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 6
- Arrange rice in serving bowls. Top with sesame turkey.
- Step 7
- Add lettuce leaves, cucumber ribbons, carrot matchsticks, cilantro, and pickled radishes as desired.
- Step 8
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of cucumber and carrots not only improves the presentation but also ensures the vegetables have a delicate texture that blends well with the lettuce wraps. If you prefer a crispier texture for the turkey, let it sit undisturbed in the skillet for an extra minute before stirring in the sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lower-carb option, swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. You can easily adjust the gochujang amount to reach your preferred spice level, or substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on what you have on hand.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the lettuce leaves on the side for a hands-on wrap experience, or chop the lettuce and toss everything together as a deconstructed bowl. A generous squeeze of lime just before eating adds a bright acidity that elevates all the Korean-inspired flavors.
Save Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a family-style dinner, these Sesame Turkey Lettuce Wrap Bowls offer a nutritious and flavorful solution. Enjoy the balance of savory turkey, sweet honey, and spicy gochujang in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes the sesame turkey flavorful?
The turkey gets its rich flavor from sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang Korean chili paste, honey, and rice vinegar. These ingredients create a savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spiced coating that caramelizes beautifully while cooking.
- → Can I make these bowls lower in carbohydrates?
Yes, simply swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. This substitution significantly reduces the carbohydrate content while maintaining the bowl's satisfying nature and allowing the turkey and vegetables to shine.
- → What vegetables work best in these bowls?
Romaine or butter lettuce leaves provide crispness and can be used as wraps. Cucumber ribbons add cool freshness, while carrot matchsticks contribute crunch. Fresh cilantro and pickled radishes make excellent optional additions for extra flavor and color.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The gochujang paste provides mild heat. Reduce the amount for less spice or increase it for more warmth. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes or serve with sriracha on the side for those who prefer extra heat.
- → Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Ground chicken or beef both work excellently as alternatives. Chicken will be lighter in flavor while beef provides a richer taste. The cooking time remains the same, and the seasoning blend complements all three proteins beautifully.