Ground Turkey, Asparagus and Basil Sir-fry

By Shawn

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots
• 4 scallions
• 1 pound thin or medium-thick asparagus
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil (toasted or not)
• 1 pound ground light-meat turkey (may substitute dark-meat ground turkey)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more as needed
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from washingtonpost.com

Preparation

Step 1

Scrub or peel the carrots, then cut them into thin matchsticks (about 2 inches long). Trim the scallions, then cut on the diagonal into thin slices. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, then cut the stalks on the diagonal into 1-inch lengths. Mince the garlic.

Heat the oil in a large skillet or saute pan until shimmering, over medium heat. Stir in the garlic; cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, then stir in the ground turkey, using a spatula as it cooks to break up large clumps.

Cook the turkey for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until there's barely a trace of pink left. Add the carrots and scallions; cook for about 2 minutes, then add the soy sauce, apricot jam and crushed red pepper flakes (to taste), stirring to form a sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the asparagus; cook for 2 or 3 minutes, tossing gently to incorporate, then remove from the heat. Those asparagus pieces should be crisp-tender, a more vivid shade of green and barely warmed through. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed.

Stack and roll the basil leaves, then cut crosswise into ribbons (or don't cut at all, and just use small leaves). Scatter them over the stir-fry mixture and toss gently to incorporate. Taste, and add a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve right away.