Asian Lettuce Wraps with Pecan-Crusted Turkey Meatballs
Heart-healthy pecans highlight this refreshing lettuce wrap recipe, perfect for entertaining in summer months. You can find additional pecan recipes at ncpecans.org and americanpecan.com.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions (about 2 stalks)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 cup fresh pecans
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 head butter lettuce leaves
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- Chopped scallions (optional)
- Cilantro leaves (optional)
Directions
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Heat oven to 375 degrees.
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For meatballs: Using hands, combine ground turkey, green onions, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic and powdered ginger. In food processor, pulse pecans until coarsely ground to similar consistency as panko bread crumbs. Scoop 1 tablespoon meat mixture at a time and roll into meatballs. Roll meatballs in ground pecans until evenly coated. Place pecan-crusted meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheet; bake approximately 20 minutes. Flip after 15 minutes.
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For sauce: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, fish sauce and sesame oil. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Sprinkle lettuce cups with shredded carrots. Place meatballs on top and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with scallions and cilantro, if desired.
Go nuts!
Looking for more recipes that employ pecans? Try our Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese!