Turkey and Tofu Yakitori, Chef Matt Meadows, Isle Casino, Bettendorf, IA

Yakitori Skewers

In a bowl combine:

  • 2 Tablespoons miso

  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 Tablespoon ginger root, minced very fine

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Gochutgaru chili flakes, optional

  • 1 turkey tenderloin, cut into ½ inch cubes.

Place turkey in Yakitori marinade then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, no longer than 12. Divide into 4 portions and skewer onto bamboo skewers.

Lemongrass Sauce

In a blender or food processor, mix until smooth:

  • 6 ounces silk tofu

  • ½ stalk lemongrass, chopped fine

  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemongrass juice

  • Let sit for 4 hours and strain.

Mix in:

  • 1 teaspoon mint leaves, minced fine

  • 1 teaspoon basil leaves, minced fine

  • Salt and pepper, as needed

Grill turkey skewers until internal temperature reaches 165 F, let rest 5 minutes.

Fried Tofu

In a bowl combine:

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • 1 Tablespoon Mali Spice Mix

Cut 6 ounces of extra firm tofu into ½ inch cubes. Toss in Mali Spice mixture.

Heat 2 cups soy fry oil in a 4-quart cast iron pot, traditional fryer or high sided fry skillet to 350. Fry until light brown and crunch. Set aside on a plate and paper towel to drain.

Turkey Fried Rice

Heat 2 Tablespoons soy fry oil in wok and add:

  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced fine

  • ½ cup carrot, mined fine

Add 6 ounces ground turkey and cook through.

Make a well in the middle of the wok and add 2 beaten egg, stir and cook until done.

Add and toss until well incorporated and heat thoroughly:

  • 3 cups cooked rice

  • ¾ cup edamame, shelled

  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil

  • 6 ounces fried tofu

  • ½ cup green onion, sliced ¼ inch thick

To Serve

Place fried rice into a bowl.

Place Yakitori skewer over the rice.

Drizzle turkey with lemongrass sauce.

Garnish with cilantro sprigs.