Let me just say this: cabbage rolls are having a moment and I’m totally here for it. If you’ve never had cabbage rolls before, you’re in for a delicious surprise. They’re hearty, comforting, and, when done right, unbelievably satisfying.

And this version? Ground Turkey Cabbage Rolls with Semi-Spicy Peanut Sauce? It checks all the boxes: nourishing, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.

I actually made these recently for a cooking demo with Blue Shield, and they were such a hit that I knew I had to share the full recipe here with you. Whether you’re someone who loves to cook or just needs a healthy dinner idea that actually tastes good, this one’s for you.

Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Gluten-free and dairy-free (depending on your ingredients)
• Packed with protein and fiber
• Totally customizable:add more heat, extra veggies, or keep it simple!
• Freezer-friendly: perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers

And let’s talk about that peanut sauce for a second. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything; grain bowls, salads, wraps, roasted veggies, you name it. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and just the right amount of sweet. Once you try it, you’ll keep it in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made with everyday, simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice (optional, but adds great texture)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil

For the Semi-Spicy Peanut Sauce:

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level)
• 1/3 cup warm water (to thin)
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed peanuts
• Chopped scallions or cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced jalapeño (if you love heat!)

How to Make Ground Turkey Cabbage Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Let’s walk through the process step by step. It’s easier than it sounds!

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 10–12 large leaves from a head of green cabbage. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 1–2 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and let cool.

Tip: Don’t skip this blanching step because it’s what makes the cabbage easy to roll without tearing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the grated carrots and cook for 2 more minutes. Then add the ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink.

Stir in ginger, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add in the cooked rice if you’re using it. Mix everything well and let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the rolls.

Step 3: Roll It Up

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the turkey mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly like a burrito. Place seam-side down in a lightly oiled baking dish. Repeat with the remaining leaves.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sweetener, sriracha, water, and ginger. Adjust the water to your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not runny.

Warm the sauce slightly if needed to melt the peanut butter and combine everything smoothly.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour about half the peanut sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.

To serve, drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with your favorite toppings, chopped scallions, cilantro, crushed peanuts, or lime wedges all work beautifully.

Make It Yours: Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adapt it to your taste or dietary needs easily:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for lentils, crumbled tofu, or chopped mushrooms.
• Low-Carb: Skip the rice and bulk up the filling with more veggies or cauliflower rice.
• Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes, or top with sliced jalapeños.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter in the sauce.

If you’re looking for a comforting, cozy, and nourishing dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Ground Turkey Cabbage Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a must-try. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests or a meal prep session.

Until next time, happy cooking!