Tuesday is just made for Luau Turkey Tacos, I think!
And before we get to that, let me say I’m super excited to share with you that I’m now part of Jennie-O Turkey Store’s “Switch Circle” group of bloggers! It’s a completely natural fit, right? I mean, if you are a regular reader of the blog, then you know I love cooking with turkey – and especially Minnesota turkey, where Jennie-O is based. And Jennie-O has an amazing website full of recipes to try and cooking tips.
Turkey for the win!
So this week for Turkey Tuesday, I tried a new recipe from the Jennie-O website – Luau Turkey Tacos. I was drawn to the recipe because it was unlike any taco recipe I have ever tried – definitely incorporating some Asian flavors – while also looking simple and quick enough to get on the dinner table on a weeknight. Also, I’ve never, ever cooked anything with chopped ginger in it, so I thought it would be cool to try.
And easy it was. There is some chopping to do, but it’s not overwhelming and once you prep all your ingredients (and be sure to do this first), the rest of the process moves fast.
I actually really like chopping/food prep … it’s oddly relaxing for me. Or maybe it’s a good way to release the stress of the day? Hmmm … is anyone else like that? 😉
The taco mixture was jam-packed with flavor – definitely on the spicy side, probably due in large part to the chili flakes. I used the one teaspoon the recipe called for; if you’re not much for spicy, you could reduce or even eliminate the chili flakes. And I loved the spinach, too – it added such fun color to the overall meal.
Did it pass the Joe test? Well … not exactly. But don’t let that worry you – Joe is the world’s pickiest eater and especially doesn’t like too much spice. Teacher Man and I, however, loved it so I’m definitely saving this recipe for future use.
Another Tuesday, another turkey recipe … so far, I’m living up to my 2015 goal of sharing some new ways to use turkey. Have you cooked with turkey recently – either a tried-and-true recipe or something new – lately? If so, I’d love to hear about it!
Luau Turkey Tacos
- 1 (20-ounce) package JENNIE-O® Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1½ tablespoons chopped ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, if desired
- ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 8 flour tortillas (original recipe calls for whole wheat tortillas, which would be delicious, too)
- 2 cups finely cut spinach
In a large non-stick skillet, cook ground turkey as specified on the package. (Good tip, straight from the experts at Jennie-O: Always cook to well-done, 165ºF as measured by a meat thermometer.)
Add bell pepper, garlic, ginger and chili flakes, if desired. Cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic or the dish will taste bitter. Add vinegar and cook 2 minutes, or until most of the vinegar has evaporated. Add soy sauce and cook 2 minutes until it reduces to about 2 tablespoons liquid in pan. Add broth and cook 2 minutes or until liquid reduces to about ¼ cup.
Remove from heat. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Cover to keep warm.
Place two tortillas on each plate and fill each half full with spinach and then top with ⅓ cup of the turkey mixture. Serve hot.
Recipe source: Jennie-O
Note: I am not getting paid to be a part of Jennie-O’s Switch Circle of bloggers, but I do receive some complimentary turkey products to try. Opinions are entirely my own.