Quick & Healthy Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps: A 15-Minute Meal Solution
This post has been sponsored by Minute® Rice. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, making them an ideal choice for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a vibrant appetizer. This recipe masterfully combines the rich tastes of authentic Korean cuisine with lean ground turkey and the ultimate convenience of Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice, delivering a globally inspired dish that’s both healthy and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prepare to say hello to your new go-to recipe for a better-for-you meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or speed! Honestly, calling it just a “lunch” would be an understatement; these wraps frequently grace my dinner table and often make an appearance as an impressive, healthy appetizer when entertaining. Their versatility truly knows no bounds, adapting effortlessly to any occasion or craving.
After reaching out to my wonderful readers for their feedback, there was an overwhelming demand for two things: more global flavors and lighter meal options. This Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wrap recipe proudly delivers on both fronts, bringing you an exciting international taste experience while keeping things fresh and wholesome. It’s a testament to how delicious and diverse healthy eating can be.
The most incredible aspect of this recipe? The entire dish, from prep to plate, can be completed in an astonishing 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 15 minutes! This might sound impossible, especially when you consider that it includes brown rice, which typically requires a longer cooking time. However, the secret lies in the star ingredient: Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice. This incredible product transforms the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a complete, nutritious meal without the wait. You can easily find Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice at your local Safeway, usually located in the rice and beans aisle, ready to become your ultimate weeknight dinner hack.
Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice is a game-changer for anyone seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality or health. It cooks in just one minute in the microwave, eliminating the need to monitor a pot on the stove or wait for an electric pressure cooker. This means you can enjoy the full benefits of 100% whole grain brown rice with unparalleled speed. What’s more, these convenient cups contain no artificial preservatives or artificial ingredients, making them a truly wholesome choice. I consistently rely on these cups because they are not only incredibly fast to cook but also perfectly portioned for single servings, which is ideal for managing portions or quick individual meals. Plus, they are an excellent source of fiber, contributing to a balanced diet and helping you stay full and energized.
The addition of Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice is a phenomenal enhancement to these lettuce wraps for several reasons. Beyond its incredible speed, it offers significant nutritional benefits, including fiber and a generous 53g or more of whole grains per serving. This makes the wraps substantially more filling and satisfying, allowing them to easily serve as a complete meal for either lunch or dinner. The hearty texture of the brown rice perfectly complements the intensely flavorful Korean ground turkey, providing a robust and wholesome base.
The succulent ground turkey is infused with a vibrant medley of Korean flavors. The savory depth of soy sauce, the sweet-spicy kick of gochujang paste, and the nutty richness of sesame oil create an irresistible taste profile. A hint of ground ginger adds warmth, while fresh green onions provide a burst of brightness that lifts all the flavors. These wraps are designed to pop with every bite, creating a truly memorable eating experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, a convenient option for your weekly meal prep (more on this in the FAQs!), or a healthier appetizer to impress your friends and family, these Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are an outstanding choice. Their global appeal and ease of preparation make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
How To Make Korean Ground Turkey and Rice Lettuce Wraps
Make Sauce
Creating the flavorful Korean sauce is the first and arguably easiest step in this recipe. Simply combine all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, honey, gochujang paste, ground ginger, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and mirin—in a small bowl. Whisk them vigorously until everything is thoroughly blended and smooth. Set this vibrant mixture aside, as it will soon infuse your turkey with incredible depth.
Cook Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey along with the white and light green parts of your chopped green onions. Break up the turkey with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. It’s crucial at this stage to carefully drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet to prevent the mixture from becoming watery and to allow the sauce to properly adhere to the meat. Once drained, return the skillet to the heat, stir in the minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until its intoxicating aroma fills your kitchen. Finally, pour in the prepared Korean sauce, stirring it well to coat all the turkey. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to warm through and bubble gently, infusing every bit of the meat with its rich flavors. Then, remove from heat.
Cook Rice
Here’s where the “Minute” in Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice truly shines! These convenient cups are designed for maximum speed and simplicity. Just pop them into the microwave and heat according to the clear instructions provided on the packaging. In literally one minute, you’ll have perfectly cooked, fluffy, and wholesome brown rice ready to be incorporated into your delicious wraps. No waiting, no fuss, just pure convenience.
Assemble
Assembly is the final, fun step to bring these magnificent wraps to life. Start by selecting a crisp lettuce leaf to serve as your base – butter lettuce or living lettuce leaves are ideal for their sturdy, cup-like shape. Carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons of the freshly cooked Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice onto the center of each leaf. Follow this with a generous 2 tablespoons of the fragrant Korean ground turkey mixture. For the perfect finishing touches, arrange a few slices of fresh English cucumber and a sprinkle of vibrant shredded carrots over the turkey. A final flourish of the dark green parts of the reserved green onion adds a fresh, aromatic garnish and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and tastes!
FAQs About Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are truly fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout your busy week with minimal effort. The key to successful meal prep with these wraps is to keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat. I highly recommend washing and thoroughly drying your lettuce leaves, then storing them in a sealable bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. The cooked Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice and the seasoned Korean ground turkey mixture should be stored separately in a microwave-safe, airtight container. When hunger strikes, simply heat up the rice and turkey in the microwave, assemble your fresh wraps with the crisp lettuce and toppings, and enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that tastes freshly made!
What lettuce should I use for ground turkey and rice lettuce wraps?
For the best lettuce wrap experience, I highly recommend using butter lettuce or living lettuce. These varieties are ideal because their leaves are naturally cup-shaped and perfectly sized to hold a generous filling. More importantly, they are remarkably sturdy yet tender, ensuring they won’t tear easily while you’re assembling or eating your wrap, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite. If you’re unable to find butter or living lettuce, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily transform it into a delicious and vibrant salad by using mixed greens as your base. Simply top the greens with the Korean ground turkey, Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice, and all your favorite garnishes for a bowl-style meal that’s just as tasty and fulfilling.
Can I use ground chicken or ground beef instead?
While ground turkey is an excellent choice for these wraps due to its lean profile and ability to absorb flavors beautifully, you certainly have options if you prefer other meats. Ground chicken is a fantastic lean alternative that will work seamlessly in this recipe. If you’re looking for something with a bit more richness and heartiness, ground beef is also an excellent substitute. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: no adjustments to the core recipe are needed! Simply swap out one pound of ground turkey for your preferred ground meat of choice, and follow the cooking instructions as written. The Korean sauce is robust enough to complement any of these ground meats, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. If you’re looking for another Asian-inspired snack to pair with these savory lettuce wraps, these chicken egg rolls make a fantastic addition!
Quick Tips for Making Korean Ground Turkey and Rice Lettuce Wraps
- Spice it up: For those who love an extra kick, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This will amplify the existing subtle heat from the gochujang and add a fiery dimension to your wraps.
- Elevate your veggies: To introduce an additional layer of tangy flavor and crunch, try using pickled carrots as a topping instead of or in addition to fresh shredded carrots. The acidity of pickled carrots beautifully cuts through the richness of the turkey.
- Streamlined assembly: To make the assembly process even smoother and faster, especially if you’re serving a crowd, lay out all your lettuce leaves on a large serving platter or individual plates before you even start cooking the turkey. This quick recipe comes together rapidly, and having your bases ready ensures everything can be served hot and fresh right off the stove.
- Serve hot or cold: One of the many benefits of these wraps is their versatility in serving temperature. They are equally delicious served warm, with the turkey and rice freshly heated, or enjoyed cold, which is perfect for a refreshing lunch on a hot day. Just remember the meal prep rule: keep the lettuce, turkey, and rice stored separately until you are ready to combine and eat to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Korean Ground Turkey and Rice Lettuce Wraps
equipment
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French Wire Whisk
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Cookware
ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 3 Tbsp gochujang paste
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp mirin
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 green onions chopped – white and light green parts, and dark parts divided
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 cups Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice
- 8 –10 butter lettuce leaves
- 1 cup thinly sliced English cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Optional garnish: chopped green onion dark parts reserved from above
instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the sauce until well combined. Set aside.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey and the white and light green parts of the chopped green onion. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned (approximately 5 to 7 minutes), stirring occasionally. Carefully drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet.
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Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Pour in the prepared sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the turkey. Cook for another minute until the sauce is warmed through and bubbling gently. Remove from heat.
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Microwave the Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice cups according to the specific instructions provided on their packaging. This usually takes just one minute.
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To assemble your delicious lettuce wraps, add about 2 tablespoons of warm brown rice to each lettuce leaf. Top with 2 tablespoons of the Korean ground turkey mixture. Garnish generously with thinly sliced English cucumber, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of the dark green parts of the reserved green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
These Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are more than just a recipe; they are a lifestyle hack for busy individuals and families who crave delicious, nutritious, and globally inspired meals. The harmonious blend of savory turkey, hearty brown rice, and crisp lettuce, all infused with tantalizing Korean flavors, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. With the incredible convenience of Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice, you can whip up this impressive dish in a mere 15 minutes, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to savor a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Enjoy!