Asian Turkey Barbecue on Sesame Scallion Toasts: A Flavor Explosion!
This recipe combines the savory flavors of Asian barbecue with the familiar comfort of a turkey sandwich, all served on crispy sesame scallion toasts. It’s a delightful appetizer, a light lunch, or even a unique dinner option. The turkey is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or pan-fried to perfection. The sesame scallion toasts add a crunchy and aromatic base, completing this flavor-packed dish.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful:** The combination of Asian-inspired barbecue sauce, juicy turkey, and aromatic sesame scallion toasts is a taste sensation.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, light lunch, or even a main course.
* **Impressive:** It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adjusting the spice level or using different toppings.
## Ingredients
### For the Asian Turkey Barbecue:
* 1.5 pounds ground turkey (or turkey breast cut into small cubes)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more, to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
* 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
### For the Sesame Scallion Toasts:
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 4 tablespoons butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
* Pinch of salt
### Optional Toppings:
* Sriracha mayonnaise
* Pickled ginger
* Chopped cilantro
* Sesame seeds
* Shredded carrots
* Cucumber ribbons
* Kimchi
* Avocado slices
## Equipment
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Grill or skillet
* Baking sheet
* Small bowl for mixing butter
* Spatula
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Asian Turkey Barbecue Marinade
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, Sriracha, and black pepper. This marinade will infuse the turkey with rich Asian flavors.
### Step 2: Marinate the Turkey
Add the ground turkey (or cubed turkey breast) to the marinade. Ensure the turkey is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the turkey marinates, the more flavorful it will become. The refrigeration time allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. If using ground turkey, break it up slightly with a fork before marinating to ensure even coating. If using cubed turkey breast, make sure the cubes are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
### Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Scallion Butter
While the turkey is marinating, prepare the sesame scallion butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sesame oil, chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This butter will be spread on the baguette slices before toasting, adding a delicious savory flavor.
### Step 4: Toast the Baguette Slices
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Spread each slice generously with the sesame scallion butter. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the toasts are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and set aside.
### Step 5: Cook the Turkey
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. If you marinated the turkey with cornstarch, ensure the mixture is well combined again. Add the marinated turkey to the skillet or grill. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon or spatula, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If using ground turkey, ensure it’s fully cooked and browned. If using cubed turkey breast, ensure each piece is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
### Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This step is optional but can enhance the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
### Step 7: Assemble the Asian Turkey Barbecue Toasts
Top each sesame scallion toast with a generous spoonful of the Asian turkey barbecue. Arrange the toasts on a serving platter.
### Step 8: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as Sriracha mayonnaise, pickled ginger, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, kimchi, or avocado slices. These toppings add extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
### Step 9: Serve Immediately
Serve the Asian turkey barbecue toasts immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Turkey Breast Option:** For a leaner option, use turkey breast cut into small cubes instead of ground turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less Sriracha or omit it altogether.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the turkey with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same Asian barbecue sauce.
* **Different Breads:** Experiment with different types of bread for the toasts, such as sourdough or brioche. Adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Make Ahead:** The Asian turkey barbecue can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Grilling:** For a smoky flavor, grill the turkey instead of cooking it in a skillet.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
* **Add Vegetables:** Stir-fry some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the turkey for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** Adjust the amount of honey to your desired sweetness.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the marinade for a brighter flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve as an appetizer at your next party.
* Enjoy as a light lunch with a side salad.
* Serve as a unique and flavorful dinner option.
* Pair with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.
* Great for potlucks and gatherings.
## Storage Instructions
* **Asian Turkey Barbecue:** Store leftover Asian turkey barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Sesame Scallion Toasts:** Store leftover sesame scallion toasts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They may lose some of their crispness over time.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, without toppings. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
## Conclusion
These Asian Turkey Barbecue on Sesame Scallion Toasts are a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, you can easily create a dish that’s tailored to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer, a light lunch, or a flavorful dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a flavor explosion!
## Enjoy!
This recipe offers a fantastic blend of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the toppings and variations to create your own unique version. Bon appétit!