I had "Crispy Orange Beef" some time ago and loved it! I wanted crispy ground turkey, so I played with the ingredients and methods. The sweet-spicy sauce I created adds that extra pizzazz. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly, as they are a little off the beaten path. I think this is a new favourite at our dinner table. Serve with coconut rice.
Ingredients
1 medium onion, medium diced
tt salt and pepper
20 oz slab of lean ground turkey, 7% fat
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
tt pepper
zucchini, 1/2" diced pcs (optional)
handful of fresh spinach (optional)
drizzle sesame oil (optional)
squeeze of orange (optional)
Sauce
1/2 cup light or low-fat mayonnaise
1-2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ginger powder
2-3 tsp lime juice
1-2 tbsp Thai chili sauce
1-2 tsp soy sauce (optional)
>1 tbsp brown sugar
tt salt and pepper
cilantro or basil, roughly chopped
scallions, chopped
drizzle of sesame oil (opt)
Instructions
Read Susie's Tips and Tricks below
1. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and saute salted and peppered onions for 6 to 8 minutes. Let them turn a little brown in spots. Add zucchini (optional) and let cook just to colour (no mush). Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Mix together cornstarch, paprika, garlic, basil, thyme, salt and pepper.
3. Now open up your package of ground meat and generously sprinkle half the cornstarch all over the one side and tamp down a bit. Place a little more oil in the pan on low to medium heat and then tip the entire slab of turkey into skillet. Now spread the remaining cornstarch spice mixture over the top-side (you may have a little bit left over). Do not move the protein around until it starts to form a 'crust'.
4. Once the crust has formed, use a sharp spatula to cut 1" pcs that will kind of resemble small meatballs. You want chunks, not actual balls. Let the meat caramelize on each side and cook thoroughly (about 8-10 minutes). If you have a bit of extra cornstarch mix, be sure to sprinkle the remainder over the broken up pieces.
5. While turkey is cooking, mix together the spicy Thai mayo sauce ingredients. Taste and find a flavour profile you prefer. Add the onions and zucchini, possibly fresh spinach (if desired) to the skillet, then gently stir in the sauce to coat.
6. Garnish with cilantro, basil, or scallions. Serve with some fluffy rice or try my Coconut Rice.
Susie's Tips and Tricks
Add zucchini, spinach, some celery, or grated carrot, then saute to desired done-ness. Give your kids (or yourself) some extra veggies!
Optionally, you can drizzle a small bit of sesame oil and a good squeeze of orange juice as well.
My daughter suggested pineapple rings, slightly grilled/sauteed. She was right; quite delicious!
If you like a very spicy sauce, be sure and add more Thai chili.
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