Asian Lettuce Wraps

So, these would fall under the "everything nice" category. Clearly they aren't baked goods, but they were so yummy that I just had to share. Rumor has it that Asian Lettuce Wraps are the number #1 appetizer to order at P.F. Chang's, which happens to be one of the husbands favorite restaurants, but neither of us have actually had the restaurant's version despite their raving reviews. We have, however, been trying to eat much healthier, so I made these with ground turkey and they were a hit! Something we will definitely find a place for in our revolving menu. The other added bonus is that I, being such a picky eater, was forced to try a few new ingredients and (surprise, surprise) actually liked them!! Funny how that works...

Anyway, these are delicious!!


Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup instant brown rice
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped (i left these out)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives
1 large carrot, shredded

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

3. To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with herbs and carrot and roll into wraps.


mmm....i'm hungry just looking at this picture!