Gelatin Free Cilantro-Lime Lettuce Cup Bites
These little lettuce cups are the kind of appetizer or light meal that disappears from the platter before you even sit down. Crisp butter lettuce cradles a savory ground turkey filling that's been brightened with fresh lime juice, lime zest, and coconut aminos, then warmed through with ginger, garlic, and a touch of turmeric. The shredded carrots add a subtle sweetness and just enough texture to make every bite feel satisfying without being heavy. Because the entire recipe is built around whole, straightforward ingredients, there's nothing hidden to worry about — no gelatin-based sauces, no mystery thickeners, just clean flavors doing all the work. A finishing scatter of fresh cilantro and scallions pulls everything together with a pop of color and herby brightness. These are equally at home as a party starter or a quick weeknight dinner, and the lime wedges on the side let everyone dial up the citrus to their liking.
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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.
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