Emergency: Bring on the Ground Turkey

I try to make a list before I go get groceries, although sometimes I leave the list on the counter.  Other times I’m in the store looking at the list and somehow failing to see one of the items I’ve written down.  I have yet to understand why that happens.  I’ve just been to the eye doctor, and I am not going blind.

Maybe to compensate, I always buy a package of ground turkey when it’s on sale—even if it’s not on my list.  I probably just forgot to write it down.

Ground turkey is a remarkably versatile ingredient.  Over the years I’ve used it to make Burgers, Chili, Meatballs, Meatloaf, Spaghetti Bolognese, Sloppy Joe’s, Tacos and Enchiladas.  And if for some reason I can’t use it right away, I freeze it.

Tonight we’re having Turkey Burgers but with an Asian twist.  They’ll be ready in 20 minutes. 

Asian Turkey Burgers – serves 3 (adapted from “Help! My Apartment Has a Dining Room!”)  

1 pound ground turkey 

2 scallions, cleaned and cut into 1/2-pieces 

2 tablespoons soy sauce 

1 teaspoon sesame oil 

1 teaspoon chopped garlic 

1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

3 sandwich buns 

1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil 

Combine the turkey, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl and mix.  Shape the mixture into 3 large flat patties.  

Turn the oven to 250 degrees and set the sandwich buns on an oven rack to warm. 

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add the patties and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until there is no pink in the middle of the patties.  Cut into a patty to make sure.  They need to be cooked thoroughly. 

Remove the buns from the oven, slice them in half and place a patty in each.  Serve immediately.

                        For easy recipes, order "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen!"