Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Turkey Chow Mein recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. It's packed with flavour, features lean protein, and is surprisingly easy to make – perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a new favourite. This recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic chow mein, swapping the usual pork or chicken for tender turkey. It’s a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4 people.
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Get started: Prepare all your vegetables by chopping and slicing them. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
- Cook the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the water chestnuts, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Add the chow mein noodles to the wok and stir gently to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and slightly softened. Don't overcook the noodles; you want them to retain a bit of bite.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Turkey Chow Mein:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of vegetables, it's best to cook them in batches to ensure they brown properly and don't steam.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: This recipe is easily adaptable. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this chow mein with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad for a more filling and balanced meal.
Variations:
- Shrimp Chow Mein: Substitute the ground turkey with 1 lb of cooked shrimp.
- Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the turkey and add extra vegetables like tofu or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chow Mein: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Turkey Chow Mein recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and is easily customizable to your preferences. Enjoy this easy recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!