By Josh Boyd
The fall is undoubtedly one of the best times of year to be in the woods. The leaves begin to change, a cool breeze settles over the landscape, and numerous hunting seasons open. This presents a wealth of opportunity for hunters, as memories are made, and freezers are stocked.
During this eventful time of year, an untold number of hunters take to the woods in search of success during the fall turkey season. Those who emerge from the woods with their tags punched, are rewarded with some of the finest table fare imaginable for their efforts. With fresh turkey breasts at their disposal, many individuals begin seeking out new and original ways to prepare the bounty of their successful hunt.
One such dish that is capable of fulfilling this quest is Wild Turkey and Rice Stir Fry. This dish is rich in taste, relatively healthy, and able to satisfy the most hearty of appetites.
Gather Your Supplies
Before actual cooking can begin, you will need to gather all supplies that will be needed. Outside of basic kitchen utensils, much of what must be prepared will center around procuring all of your ingredients.
Ingredients:
* 6 teaspoons vegetable oil
* 2 carrots, sliced
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 1 cup Brussels sprouts
* 1 cup snow peas
* 1 cup chopped red cabbage
* 1 cup bean sprouts
* 2 cups cubed turkey
* 1 tsp. minced garlic
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. pepper
* ½ cup teriyaki sauce
* 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, wild)
Before the Cooking Begins
Before beginning to cook your stir fry, take the time to prepare all of your additional ingredients. Begin by cleaning and slicing all vegetables in similar size pieces for even cooking. You will also need to cut your turkey into bite-size pieces as well.
Begin Cooking Vegetables
A wok or large skillet is perfect for cooking your stir fry. Place the pan on the stove and add 3 teaspoons of oil to it. Start heating the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your denser vegetables that will take longer to cook, such as carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Allow these vegetables to cook for 1-2 minutes.
Next, you will add your quicker cooking vegetables to the pan, such as snow peas, red cabbage, and bean sprouts. Continue cooking all of these vegetables for another 2 minutes. You want your vegetables to be tender, but still crisp. Once cooked, remove the vegetables and set them aside.
Time for Rice and Meat
At this point, you will want to start cooking your choice of rice in another pot on the stove. While this is cooking, place the pan that you used to cook your vegetables back on the burner, with the remainder of the oil to heat. Once this oil is hot, add your cubed turkey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is done throughout, or approximately 10 minutes.
Putting It All Together
Once your meat is cooked thoroughly, add your vegetables back into the pan, along with the meat. You may also choose to add your rice into the mixture, or serve your mixture over the rice. Add ½ cup of teriyaki sauce to the pan, and stir to coat the meat and vegetables, letting it heat until bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy.
A Different Spin on Wild Turkey
While stir fry is not likely to be the first thing to come to mind when most hunters think of a wild turkey dinner, those that have tried this delectable dish do not soon forget it. Wild turkey and rice is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next local wild game dinner, and is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of all who belly up to your kitchen table.