This is a Vietmanese-inspired dish with a tangy lime-marinated carrot salad, deliciously seasoned ground turkey, chopped peanuts for a salty crunch, and a flavor packed sauce that is good enough to drink. The fresh mint adds even more flavor to the dish.
Medium Pan, Medium Sauce Pot, Strainer, Food Processor -Optional
Ingredients
1 1/2 TBSSesame Oil Divided
1PoundGround TurkeyCan use ground beef if prefered
2CupsJulienned Carrots
1Juice from 1 lime, Extra lime wedges for garnish is optional
1PackageSoy Sauce Flavored Ramen NoodlesReserve seasoning packet for meat
1/2CupChopped Dry Roasted Peanuts
1HeadLettucePreferably with larger leaves, Green Leaf, Romaine or Butter Head work well.
2ozHoisin Sauce
2ozCreamy Peanut Butter
3TBSWater
1 tspMinced Garlic
1TBSSesame Seeds
3/4tspGround Ginger
1/4Cupchopped mint leaves
Instructions
Cook the Ramen
Cook Ramen Noodles according to package directions reserving the seasoning packet. When the noodles are al dente, drain and set aside. Add 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil to prevent noodles from sticking together.
Cook the Meat
Add 1 TBL of sesame oil to medium pan and cook ground turkey over medium heat, add soy sauce seasoning packet from ramen noodles, along with sesame seed, garlic and ginger. Stir to break meat into small pieces. Continue cooking until meat is browned.
Prepare the Veggies
Cut and wash 4-6 large lettuce leaves, in a small bowl,combine lime juice and carrots, tear mint leaves into small pieces. Chop the peanuts and place them into a small bowl using a food processor or a ziplock bag and a meat tenderizer.
Make the Peanut Hoisin Sauce
Combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce and water. Heat in the microwave until hot, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water just until it reaches pouring consistency.
Assemble the Wraps
Lay out lettuce leaves and divide toppings between leaves. Layer toppings in this order; ramen, meat, carrots, peanuts and mint leaves. Drizzle peanut hoisin sauce on top and garnish with lime wedges. Squeeze on extra lime juice as desired.
Notes
I like to use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated ginger in every meal I prepare because, for me, the flavor burst you get from using these ingredients fresh is worth the trouble. That said, if you don't have them on hand or just don't have the time to mess with them, these Lettuce Wraps are still very good made with powdered garlic and ginger.
I usually use a firmer, larger type of lettuce for these wraps such as Romaine.
Keyword beef lo mein, Easy Lo Mein, Ground Turkey,, Lettuce Wraps, tangy