Asian Inspired: Spicy Ground Turkey "Stir Fry"

My husband and I love Chinese take-out, but I know that it is not the best option.  I have looked for a cleaned-up option for a long time.  After many failed attempts and disappointments, I think I've finally found the perfect recipe to satisfy that craving!  The original recipe came from this blog, but I have changed it a bit to cut down on the amount of "sauce" and added some extra ingredients that my husband and I like!  :)

A couple notes about some of the ingredients.  This isn't a 100% clean recipe.  The chili paste, teriyaki sauce and soy sauce are not completely "clean."  With that being said, you are getting a small amount per serving and sometimes small changes in the right direction make a big difference.  We try our best to eat as clean as possible, but I would never pretend that I am perfect in any way.  There are some great recipes for homemade teriyaki sauce, which would be great if you have the time, but in reality I often just opt for the low sodium version pictured above for time's sake.

What you need:

• 2 lbs. lean ground turkey or chicken (rule of thumb for ground turkey...always buy the leanest that your family can afford, preferably the lean or extra lean)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 Tbs. minced onion (soaked in a dash of water before cooking) Note:  You could use 1/2-1 cup finely chopped onion if you prefer.  We don't love onion at our house so I opted for minced...totally up to you!

• 2 Tbs EVOO, make sure it is first cold-pressed

• 2/3 Cup Reduced Sodium Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/3 Cup Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce

• 2 Tbs. Chili Paste

• 2 Cups Matchstick Carrots

• Baby Spinach (I used a whole bag)

• Can of Sliced Water Chestnuts

• Sriracha (Use as topping, as desired)

• Brown Rice

What to do:

1.  Start cooking your rice.  Depending on how much you make, this tends to take longer than the rest of the recipe takes to complete.  Follow directions on package.

2.  Heat the EVOO over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and onions.  Cook until they start to brown (if using thinly sliced onion, cook until translucent)

3.  Add the ground turkey, stirring and breaking it up as it cooks.  Cook until almost cooked through.

4.  Mix in teriyaki, soy sauce and chili paste.  Mix all together well.

5.  Add in matchstick carrots and sliced water chestnuts.  Cook until the carrots are tender (to your liking).

6.  Add in spinach and cook until it starts to wilt.

7.  Serve over brown rice and top with sriracha, if desired.  It will be spicy even without the sriracha so add with caution.  :)

If you are doing the 21 Day Fix, use the following servings:

Measure your brown rice out with yellow, and the turkey mixture with your red container.

1 red container

1 Yellow container

1 tsp oil