Save Potsticker Noodle Lettuce Cups offer a fresh, low-carb twist on classic potsticker flavors. These handheld wraps feature savory turkey noodles served in crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. By combining lean protein with vibrant vegetables and traditional Asian seasonings, this dish delivers a punch of flavor without the heavy wrappers of traditional dumplings.
Save This recipe is designed for those who crave the umami-rich taste of potstickers but prefer a grain-free or lower-calorie option. The contrast between the warm, savory turkey filling and the cold, crisp butter lettuce makes every bite refreshing and delicious. It's a versatile dish that can be adjusted for spice levels or dietary preferences with ease.
Ingredients
- Turkey & Noodles:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 6 oz (170 g) shirataki noodles or cooked rice noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Assembly:
- 12 large butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the noodles according to package directions (rinse shirataki noodles well and pat dry, or cook rice noodles). Set aside.
- Step 2
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add garlic, ginger, and half of the green onions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in shredded carrots and cabbage; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Step 5
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce (if using).
- Step 6
- Add cooked noodles and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Step 7
- Spoon the turkey noodle mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and herbs if desired.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately as handheld wraps.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra texture and crunch, you can add chopped water chestnuts or sliced mushrooms to the skillet while cooking the ground turkey. These additions enhance the authentic potsticker feel of the filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To create a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. If you aren't strictly low-carb, cooked rice noodles work beautifully as a base for the filling.
Serviervorschläge
These lettuce cups pair excellently with a chilled glass of dry Riesling or a warm pot of jasmine tea. They are best served immediately while the filling is hot and the lettuce is crisp.
Save Enjoy a satisfying meal that fits your dietary goals. Each serving provides approximately 230 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 23g of protein, making it an excellent high-protein, low-carb choice for any day of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of lettuce works best for these cups?
Butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they're large, sturdy, and have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the savory filling. Their cup-like shape naturally holds the noodle mixture. Bibb or Boston lettuce also work well as alternatives.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the turkey noodle filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. However, assemble the lettuce cups just before eating to prevent the leaves from wilting or becoming soggy.
- → What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken, pork, or beef all work well in this dish. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your protein choice.
- → Are shirataki noodles necessary?
Shirataki noodles are excellent for low-carb diets, but cooked rice noodles work perfectly too. Rice noodles provide a more traditional texture and absorb the sauce beautifully. Just prepare them according to package directions before adding to the skillet.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The base dish has mild heat from ginger and garlic. The chili garlic sauce is optional, so you can control the spice level. Add anywhere from a pinch to a full teaspoon depending on your preference, or serve extra on the side for diners to add themselves.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil add brightness. Crushed peanuts, chopped water chestnuts, or sliced radishes provide extra crunch. A drizzle of extra sriracha or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.