Ingredients
Equipment
Method
STEP 1: PREPARE THE SAUCE AND VEGETABLES
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and Sriracha. Whisk them together thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
- Ensure all your vegetables are ready (minced garlic/ginger, diced onion, shredded cabbages). This dish cooks very quickly once the vegetables are added, so preparation is essential (mise en place).
STEP 2: BROWN THE GROUND TURKEY
- Heat a very large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of neutral cooking oil.
- Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the turkey up into small, uniform pieces as it cooks. Season the turkey liberally with the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cook the turkey for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is completely cooked through and no pink remains. If a large amount of excess liquid or fat has rendered, carefully drain it from the pan before proceeding.
STEP 3: SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS
- Reduce the heat to medium. Push the cooked turkey to one side of the skillet, or move it temporarily to a bowl. Add the diced yellow onion to the cleared area of the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and minced fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is highly fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Stir the onions, garlic, and ginger into the cooked turkey, blending the ingredients well.
STEP 4: WILT THE VEGETABLES
- Raise the heat back to medium-high. Add the more firm vegetables first, such as the optional sliced mushrooms. Stir them into the turkey mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add all of the shredded cabbage (both the pre-shredded coleslaw mix and the Napa cabbage) to the skillet. The skillet will look extremely full at this stage.
- Toss the mixture vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes. The high heat will cause the cabbage to quickly wilt and decrease significantly in volume. Continue stirring until the cabbage is crisp-tender but still retains a bit of crunch. Do not overcook, or the vegetables will become watery.
STEP 5: SAUCE AND FINISH
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, etc.) evenly over the entire skillet contents.
- Stir the entire mixture rapidly, ensuring the sauce coats all the turkey and vegetables. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and heat through.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You may add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, or a dash more rice vinegar for acidity.
STEP 6: SERVE AND GARNISH
- Turn off the heat. Divide the mixture immediately among serving bowls.
- Garnish each bowl generously with the freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot, with extra soy sauce or chili garlic sauce offered on the side for those who prefer more heat.
Notes
Variations: To make this dish less low-carb, serve over white rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles. You can substitute the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground pork (use 85% lean for pork for best flavor). For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with 1 block of crumbled, pressed tofu.
