Chicken Free Cilantro-Lime Lettuce Cup Bites
These little lettuce cups are bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavor — the kind of appetizer or light meal that disappears fast at any table. Ground turkey gets cooked down with garlic, ginger, shredded carrots, and coconut aminos until everything is coated in a savory, slightly sweet glaze with just enough citrus punch from fresh lime juice and zest. A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, earthy undertone that makes the filling feel a little more complex than you'd expect from something this quick to pull together. Butter lettuce is the perfect vessel here — its soft, cupped leaves hold the filling without cracking, and they add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, fragrant turkey. A generous finish of fresh cilantro and scallions keeps every bite tasting lively and herbaceous. Because the recipe relies entirely on turkey rather than any poultry you might be avoiding, it's a genuinely satisfying option that doesn't require any substitutions or workarounds — just straightforward, delicious cooking. Serve them straight from the skillet with lime wedges on the side and watch them vanish.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the lettuce cups
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and trimmed into cups
For the filling
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium carrots, finely shredded
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Separate the butter lettuce into individual leaves and trim the base of each to form a cup shape. Arrange 12 of the best-formed cups on a large serving platter and set aside.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute — watch closely so the garlic does not brown.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!