Recipe: Turkey Patties With Cilantro, Scallions and Ginger

Ground turkey takes on the delightful flavors of Asian cuisine, thanks to a mix of scallions, cilantro, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. You don’t even need to light the grill — these turkey burgers cook to perfection in a non-stick skillet.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey (white meat)
• 2 scallions (white and light green parts), chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 of avocado, sliced
• 4 cups salad greens, for serving
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, scallions, cilantro, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Shape into four patties.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the patties and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Toss the salad greens with remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and divide evenly among the four plates.
5. Place one patty on each plate, and top each with slices of avocado. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with a lime wedge.

Ingredient health benefits

• Ginger: Strong flavor isn’t the only thing that fresh ginger provides. Ginger root, which has been on the scene for thousands of years, fights chronic inflammation and joint inflammation and supports your immune system with potassium, vitamin C and magnesium. And when nausea comes knocking, you can use a fresh piece of ginger to help calm your upset stomach.
• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): These days, it’s no secret that extra virgin olive oil is worth keeping in your pantry or on the kitchen counter. It’s high in antioxidants that fight free radicals and unwanted inflammation, so your cells can focus on what they do best. EVOO also protects your heart health by reducing your blood pressure and lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. And that’s not all: It might even lower your risk of developing cancer as part of a well-balanced diet.
• Avocado: No matter how you slice it, avocados are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Considered a superfood, they’re full of heart-healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin K1, vitamin E, potassium (even more than a banana!) and copper. These nutrients support many important aspects of your overall health, like your skin, blood pressure, bones and vision. And if you need another reason to eat one of these green machines, avocados are also a good source of fiber, so your gut will thank you.
• Leafy greens: On the whole, this category of vegetables is an easy go-to for adding plant power to your dishes. All leafy greens have vitamin K, an essential vitamin for keeping your bones and blood cells healthy and strong, but different kinds have other benefits to offer your plate. Spinach, kale, lettuce and arugula are popular choices for salads. They can have a variety of vitamins and minerals — like manganese, vitamin A and folate — as well as natural plant compounds like carotenoids and anthocyanins. You can even mix these greens, if that’s what you’d prefer. In this recipe, the choice is yours.
• Sesame seeds: Believe it or not, these little seeds are packed with perks. Sesame seeds are rich in selenium, an important mineral that helps regulate your immune system and keep your thyroid hormones balanced. They’re also loaded with inflammation-fighting polyphenols and nutritious fats like those found in avocadoes.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Calories: 336
Total fat: 19 g
Saturated fat: 4.6 g
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrate: 7 g
Dietary fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 144 mg
Sodium: 242 mg

— Recipe developed by cookbook author Sara Quessenberry for Cleveland Clinic Wellness.