Xanthan Gum Free Cilantro-Lime Lettuce Cup Bites

Total time30 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time15 min

Xanthan Gum Free Cilantro-Lime Lettuce Cup Bites

These little bites are bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavor — the kind of appetizer or light meal that disappears from the platter before you even sit down. Tender butter lettuce cups cradle a savory ground turkey filling that's been cooked down with garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, and a hit of lime until everything is glossy and fragrant. Shredded carrots add a subtle sweetness and a little texture, while turmeric gives the whole filling a warm, golden hue. The good news for anyone avoiding xanthan gum is that this recipe is naturally free of it from start to finish — no thickeners, binders, or processed sauces needed, just real ingredients doing all the work. Coconut aminos step in for soy sauce and bring that savory depth without any of the additives hiding in conventional condiments. A shower of fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, and a squeeze of lime right before serving keeps everything tasting vibrant and alive. Whether you're passing these around at a gathering or making a quick weeknight dinner, they come together fast and feel genuinely special.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the lettuce cups

1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and trimmed into cups
Simple Truth Organic Living Butter Lettuce Simple Truth Organic Baby Red Butter Lettuce Live Gourmet Butter Lettuce O Organics Organic Living Butter Lettuce - Each Signature Select/Farms Living Butter Lettuce - 1 Count
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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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