### Turkey Wontons in Turkey Mapo Sauce
When you crave turkey but aren’t in the mood to roast an entire bird, whip up these ground turkey wontons!
#### Introduction
Turkey is a protein that often gets underappreciated, yet it can be remarkably adaptable and tasty. Ground turkey, especially from the thighs, is succulent and ideal for various recipes. A highlight is turkey wontons, which can be served with a zesty mapo sauce for a thrilling twist. This article will walk you through creating turkey wontons and the accompanying mapo sauce.
#### What are Turkey Wontons?
Turkey wontons are petite dumplings stuffed with a savory blend of ground turkey and spices, encased in wonton skins. They resemble classic wontons but present a distinctive flavor due to the turkey. The mix of green onions, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil elevates the filling, making it a delightful bite.
#### Ingredients for Turkey Wontons
**Wonton Filling:**
– 1/2 lb ground turkey (preferably thighs)
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1 tbsp ginger, minced
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
– 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1/4 tsp white pepper
– Fresh wonton wrappers (as needed)
**Mapo Sauce:**
– 1 tbsp oil
– 1/2 lb ground turkey
– 1.5 tbsp doubanjiang (chopped)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
– Green onions and fresh cilantro for garnish
#### How to Make Turkey Wontons
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper until thoroughly mixed.
2. **Shape the Wontons:** Take a wonton wrapper and place roughly 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold in half, and pinch to secure. Alternatively, bring the edges together to create a pouch.
3. **Cook the Wontons:** Boil a large pot of water. Carefully add the wontons and stir to prevent them from sticking. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until they rise and are fully cooked.
#### How to Make Mapo Sauce
1. **Cook the Turkey:** Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in doubanjiang and cook until aromatic.
2. **Add Garlic and Stock:** Mix in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add chicken stock and soy sauce, bringing it to a simmer.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Incorporate the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens.
#### Serving Suggestions
After cooking the wontons, drain and mix them with the mapo sauce. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro.
#### Freezing Wontons
To freeze, arrange the wontons in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Move them to a freezer-safe bag and cook from frozen, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking time.
#### Conclusion
These turkey wontons in turkey mapo sauce are an excellent method to savor turkey in an innovative and thrilling way. Ideal for any event, they deliver a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary adventure!