Save to Pinterest Looking for a meal that feels light and vibrant but is packed with bold, savory flavor? These Skinny Spicy Turkey Lettuce Tacos with Mango Slaw are a perfect choice. They bring together the smoky heat of spiced ground turkey and the tropical brightness of a crisp mango and red cabbage slaw, all served in fresh lettuce cups for a satisfying, low-carb experience that is perfect for any night of the week.
Save to Pinterest The magic of this recipe lies in the contrast of temperatures and textures. The warm, protein-packed turkey filling seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin provides a savory foundation, while the chilled mango slaw adds a refreshing crunch. Wrapped in a crisp butter or romaine leaf, every bite is a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired spices and tropical flair.
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- For the Mango Slaw:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
- 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup (30 g) shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For Serving:
- 12 large butter or romaine lettuce leaves, washed and patted dry
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Extra cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Mango Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine mango, red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, and salt. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 2: Cook the Turkey Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño, and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Step 3: Brown the Turkey
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Step 4: Season the Mixture
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and mix well.
- Step 5: Simmer and Finish
- Pour in chicken broth and cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Squeeze in lime juice, stir, and remove from heat.
- Step 6: Assemble Tacos
- Spoon spicy turkey mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Top generously with mango slaw.
- Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, always pat your lettuce leaves completely dry after washing so they remain crisp. For those who enjoy extra heat, consider leaving the seeds in the jalapeño or adding a few extra dashes of hot sauce to the turkey while it simmers in the broth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based option like crumbled tofu or lentils. For a vegan-friendly slaw, simply ensure you use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these tacos immediately with plenty of fresh lime wedges on the side to brighten the flavors. They pair beautifully with a side of black beans or a light avocado salad to make the meal even more substantial.
Save to Pinterest These Skinny Spicy Turkey Lettuce Tacos are a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful. With their vibrant colors and exciting mix of spices and fruit, they are sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the fresh, clean taste of this Mexican-inspired fusion meal!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make the mango slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the slaw up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. The cabbage will soften slightly as it marries with the dressing, which many people prefer. Add fresh cilantro just before serving to keep it vibrant.
- → What lettuce works best for these tacos?
Butter lettuce and romaine both work beautifully. Butter lettuce offers delicate cup-shaped leaves that fold naturally around fillings. Romaine provides a satisfying crunch and sturdy scoops that hold generous portions without wilting.
- → How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Cook the ground turkey until it's no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Breaking it into small pieces as it cooks helps it brown evenly and absorb the spices thoroughly. The mixture should look browned throughout, not red or pink.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Certainly. Start with less jalapeño or omit it entirely for mild flavor. For more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne with the other spices. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their portion.
- → What other proteins can I use?
Ground chicken or lean ground beef work well as direct substitutes. For plant-based options, try crumbled tofu, cooked lentils, or a meat alternative. Season any substitute with the same spice blend—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander create that signature taco flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep the turkey filling and slaw in separate airtight containers. The turkey will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The slaw is best used within 2 days before the cabbage becomes too soft. Reheat the turkey gently on the stove and assemble fresh lettuce cups when ready to eat.