Here's an EASY dish you can steam -- ground turkey seasoned with Chinese pickled plums.  I call it Asian meatloaf, a healthy way to satisfy your craving for meat and done in just 20 minutes.

Marinade the ground turkey using the basic marinade ingredients (TSPC-- tamari, sherry, pepper, corn starch), then add the following and mix well:
   • Chopped ginger,
   • Scallions,
   • Fresh chillies (OR add a teaspoon of the Huy Fong chilli garlic sauce). Optional, if you like it spicy.
   • Two chopped pickled plums (Koon Chun brand). The plums give it a lovely sour taste which the Chinese believe helps open your appetite.

Set this ground turkey mixture in a wide platter with a slight dip. Place a pair of chopsticks resting in the bottom of the wok and fill with water up to the level of the chopsticks and cover with the lid. When the water boils, set the turkey platter on top of the chopsticks and steam about 12-15 minutes until the turkey is cooked (when the meat is no longer pink). Don't overcook it or the turkey becomes dry. I suggest a dipped platter because the turkey can give out it's own juice (I like using ground turkey that has a little fat in it which keeps it moist and succulent, turkey breast tends to be dry but it's whatever you prefer). I used to pour this juice out but Ralph likes to use it as a sauce. Lift the platter out of the wok and set it on the side (careful it's piping hot). Cover it with the wok lid to keep it warm. Wipe out the wok and quickly stir fry some veggies as a side dish. The nice thing is that you only have one pan to wash. I love my (versatile) wok!

WOW.... the steamed turkey was soooooo good!  Sophia loved it and we saved some for her lunchbox tomorrow. We had some quinoa already made so I just stir fried some veggies and had them with the turkey and quinoa. I can't wait to make this easy dish for my friends.  All in all I think it took me 20 minutes to make the whole thing....I prepped the veggies while the meat was in the wok...Now we have an easy, healthy and QUICK meal for those busy days.

Maritza and 8 yr. old Sophia

© 2008 eleanor hoh

ALERT:  Wok Stars Maritza & Sophia discovered, bamboo chopsticks bend.  So, be sure to use sturdy wood chopsticks to set your dish on, so it doesn’t tip over.