Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups
Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups deliver the perfect balance of freshness and flavor for a relaxed summer dinner. With their crisp lettuce base and savory filling, these cups are a delightfully interactive way to enjoy a meal.
The combination of ground turkey, tender shiitake mushrooms, and crunchy cashews creates a medley of textures, while the hoisin sauce adds a hint of sweetness. Versatile and quick to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Customize the filling to suit your palate—swap in ground pork, tofu, or even different nuts and veggies. Paired with steamed rice or enjoyed as-is, these lettuce cups offer a refreshing twist to your weekly menu.
Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups: Key Ingredients
Ground Turkey – The heart of the dish, offering a lean and flavorful protein base that absorbs the savory, umami-rich sauce beautifully.
Shiitake Mushrooms – Earthy and tender, these mushrooms add depth and a subtle, meaty texture to the filling.
Cashews – A delightful crunch and nutty richness that elevates the dish with every bite.
Crisp Lettuce Leaves – The perfect cool and crunchy vessel, balancing the warm, savory filling with refreshing texture.
Hoisin Sauce – A sweet, tangy accent that ties together all the bold, vibrant flavors in a single swipe.
Recipe Tips for Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups
- Achieve Perfectly Crisp Lettuce: To ensure your lettuce leaves are fresh and crunchy, soak them in ice-cold water for 10 minutes before serving. Pat them dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess when paired with the filling.
- Customize the Filling: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap ground turkey for ground pork or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with carrots or peas instead of celery, or use peanuts or pine nuts for a unique crunch.
- Master the Browning Technique: When cooking the ground turkey, let it sit undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes to develop a deep, caramelized crust. This step adds extra flavor to the dish and prevents the filling from becoming overly mushy.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A side of fluffy jasmine rice is the perfect complement to these lettuce cups. It balances the flavors and provides a satisfying, starchy component for a more filling meal.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad with sesame oil and rice vinegar pairs beautifully with the rich filling, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Chilled Beer or Iced Green Tea: Serve these lettuce cups with a cold beverage, like a crisp beer or iced green tea, to keep things light and refreshing while enhancing the summer vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
2. What type of lettuce works best for this recipe?
Butter lettuce, iceberg, or little gem lettuce are ideal due to their sturdy yet tender leaves that hold the filling well without tearing.
3. Can I freeze the filling?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving, though the texture of the mushrooms may soften slightly.
4. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil to the hoisin sauce, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick of heat.
Ground Turkey, Shiitake, and Cashew Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
- Ground turkey 1 pound
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce 2 teaspoons (plus additional to taste)
- Ground white pepper ½ teaspoon (plus additional to taste)
- Peanut or sunflower oil or another neutral oil, 2 tablespoons
- Fresh shiitake mushrooms 4 ounces (tough stems removed, torn into 1-inch pieces)
- Scallions 2 (thinly sliced, with dark green slices reserved for garnish)
- Celery stalks 2 (diced, about ¾ cup, with tender leaves reserved for garnish)
- Cashews roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Crisp lettuce leaves such as iceberg, little gem, or butter lettuce
- Hoisin sauce for serving
Instructions
- Step 1Combine the Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and ground white pepper in a small bowl or cup. Whisk until well mixed and set aside.
- Step 2In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the ground turkey, spreading it evenly across the skillet with a wooden spoon or spatula. Allow the meat to brown undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring the underside develops a rich, caramelized color. Break the turkey into smaller pieces and stir.
- Step 3Incorporate the shiitake mushrooms and the white and light green portions of the scallions. Stir frequently, scraping the skillet’s bottom if necessary, until the mushrooms glisten and the scallions soften, approximately 2 minutes.
- Step 4Pour in the reserved sauce mixture, followed by the diced celery and chopped cashews. Stir the mixture thoroughly, cooking just until the celery warms through and the turkey is fully cooked, roughly 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or white pepper, as preferred.
- Step 5Transfer the filling to a serving platter and garnish with the reserved scallion greens and celery leaves. To serve, spread a small amount of hoisin sauce onto a lettuce leaf, add a spoonful of the turkey mixture, and enjoy.
