Ground Turkey Larb Gai

Image: Dinner plate containing ground turkey, red peppers, onion, with a Vietnamese inspired sauce, served with pan fried cabbage, and garnished with lime, mint, and basil leaves.

Description: Larb Gai is one of my all-time favorite light Vietnamese take-out meals and this version made with ground turkey is a hit every time!

Yield: Makes 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Avocado oil, plus more as needed

• 2 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1 pound ground turkey (can use ground chicken as well)

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 1-2 Thai red or green chilies, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 teaspoons umami powder (or Fish Sauce, if available)

• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce

• 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons sambal oelek, or chili sauce

• 1/4 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

• ¼ cup basil leaves, coarsely chopped

• 1/2 head of green cabbage

• Water, as needed

• 3 limes, 2 juiced, and 1 quartered for garnish

• Mint, cilantro or Thai basil sprigs, for serving

Directions:

In a skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and hot pepper flake. stir and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Crumble the ground turkey into a single layer on the surface of the pan. Without stirring too much, cook for about 6 minutes or until it browns on the bottom.

Turn and break it up with the edge of a spatula. Continue cooking for 4 minutes longer, then scoot the meat mixture to one side of the pan, and add in your cabbage to the pan, along with a spoonful of water, and cook covered for a 3-4 more minutes.

Stir in the shallots, chilies, and chili sauce mixture and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. If the mixture looks dry, stir in some water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

At this point, turn off the heat, add in the chopped cilantro, mint, and basil. Stir, cover, and let sit for a minute for the flavors to infuse further.

Transfer the mixture to a large plate. Garnish with lime wedge, and additional fresh herbs if desired. Drizzle on the toasted sesame seed oil. Serve and enjoy!