Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

It is an occasional and beautiful thing where I startle myself with how effortlessly I pulled together a delicious meal. I realize it sounds like I'm being extremely egotistical, but I promise I'm not. This meal was just so insanely easy and quick. It only took about 10 minutes, including prep time. And it tasted so, so good. Not to mention the smell. Prepare to swoon!

This is a much healthier and simpler (yet better) version of those Asian lettuce wraps that seem to grace the appetizer menu at every major chain restaurant these days. I guarantee that once you try this recipe, you'll never waste $14.95 at P.F. Chang's again.

A little spicy, a little salty, with a delicate crunch and a heart of meaty goodness - I give you American-Asian fusion in a pinch.

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
adapted from Williams-Sonoma Eat Well
serves 3

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 small cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/4 pound extra lean ground turkey
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
6 large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter lettuce)
handful fresh cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oils in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

2. Add turkey and stir with a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add soy sauce and vinegar, stir, and cook another minute.

3. Serve the turkey mixture in the lettuce leaves, topped with cilantro.

Eat with your hands if you're a brave soul; otherwise you might want to go the knife-and-fork route.