Turkey Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce

by Shannon Crocker, RD and Canadian Turkey

Scrumptious stir-fried turkey and veggies pair perfectly with a slightly spicy, coconutty peanut sauce in this spicy turkey stir-fry.

Ingredients

Coconut Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) natural smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) canned coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) warm water
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Asian chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
• 2 tsp (10 mL) fish sauce
• 2 tsp (10 mL) freshly grated gingerroot
• 1 small clove garlic, minced

Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil, divided
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly grated gingerroot, divided
• 2 small cloves garlic, minced and divided
• 1 tsp (5 mL) crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
• 500 gram turkey scallopini cut into ½-inch (1 cm) strips
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (500 mL) cooked brown rice

Garnish:

• 1 cup (250 mL) blanched bean sprouts (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped, salted roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) torn fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges

Cooking directions

1. Coconut Peanut Sauce: In a blender, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, warm water, lime juice, chili paste, fish sauce, ginger and garlic; purée until smooth.
2. Stir-Fry: In large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium- high heat. Add half each of the ginger and garlic and all of the red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 1 minute.
3. Season turkey with salt, add to skillet and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes, until turkey is cooked through. Remove turkey and place in a medium bowl. Add half of the Coconut Peanut Sauce to the turkey and toss until coated. Cover the bowl with a large plate to keep turkey warm.
4. Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Add cabbage, sugar snap peas, red pepper, remaining ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender crisp.
5. Divide rice among 4 plates, top each with vegetables and then turkey. Garnish with bean sprouts, if using, peanuts, cilantro and green onion. Drizzle with some of the Coconut Peanut Sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Makes: 4 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Note: Refrigerate remaining Coconut Peanut Sauce and use as a salad dressing or a dip for vegetables, turkey satay or fresh spring rolls. Stir in a little hot water if you need to thin it out.

Tips: If you can’t find turkey scallopini, ask your butcher or grocer for it. Alternatively, purchase boneless, skinless turkey breast and slice it thinly. Pro tip: freeze turkey breast slightly – it will be easier to slice.

ANALYSIS
Per serving (1/4 recipe*): 510 calories, 24 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 530 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrates, 6 g fibre, 6 g sugars, 39 g protein.

Excellent source of vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin K, pantothenate and magnesium, selenium and manganese. Good source of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, choline and iron.

*Using half of the total prepared peanut sauce.