Turkey Chow Mein
Need a cheap, filling dinner that feels like takeout but uses pantry staples? This is it.
When you're exhausted after a long day and need a satisfying meal that won't break the bank, this turkey chow mein is your secret weapon. It hits that perfect savory, umami-rich note of traditional Chinese noodles while using lean turkey to keep things light yet filling. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it an ideal choice for those nights when the 'what's for dinner' decision feels like too much work. You'll love how the garlic and ginger infuse into the sauce, creating a glossy coating over the noodles. Plus, using pre-shredded carrots or frozen peas is a total pro-move if you want to cut down on chopping time even further.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 8 oz lo mein or egg noodles
- 2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and snap peas)
- 3 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 unit green onions — sliced
Method
- 1 Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2 In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- 3 Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- 4 Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5 Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 6 Add the soy sauce and sugar; stir well to coat everything evenly.
- 7 Fold in the cooked noodles and green onions. Toss for another 2 minutes until the noodles are coated and hot.
- 8 Serve immediately as a hearty, satisfying bowl.
Variations
- Vegetarian Twist — Swap the ground turkey for 1 block of extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed).
- Extra Savory — Add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds at the very end.
Notes
If you want extra kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes when you add the garlic.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — A wide surface area ensures the meat browns quickly and the noodles coat evenly.
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