By
Tony Caggiano
No matter where you’re from, we all have some kind of comfort food we love. Whether you’re an Italian kid like me who grew up in the Bronx and looks forward to a heaping plate of spaghetti bolognese; someone from the Deep South who craves a plate of shrimp and grits, or perhaps a Midwesterner who loves a slab of homemade meatloaf, simple comfort foods have a special place in our diets–and ultimately in our hearts.
While the following recipe may not be widely familiar, it is very much a major league comfort food in the Philippines where it originated.
A simple dish with just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to make. It contains a ton of flavor and is sure to satisfy damn near anyone lucky enough to be invited to dinner.
Throw it on top of a pile of steaming white rice, and you’re good to go.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 6 to 12 hours
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 Wild Turkey Breast (or 4 wild turkey thighs)
• 8 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup vinegar
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp light oil (I use avocado, but canola also works)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups water
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
• scallions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
1. Cut the turkey into strips, approximately 1/2 inch thick, against the grain.
2. Combine garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Add the turkey, stir to coat well, and do your best to make sure the meat is submerged in the marinade.
4. Seal with a locking lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 overnight.
5. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat.
6. Remove meat from marinade (reserve marinade). Shake excess marinade back into the bowl, and sear the meat on all sides until browned. Remove to a dish, and repeat until all meat is seared.
7. Add 1 tablespoon of oil into the pan, add onions and cook until they soften a bit. 8. Add reserved marinade to the pan and stir.
9. Add the water, sugar, and black pepper; bring it to a simmer.
10. Lower heat to medium and return turkey back to the pan.
11. Cook, uncovered for 20 minutes, then turn the meat.
12. Cook for another 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken as the meat continues to cook until tender.
Plating
Coat the meat well with the thickened sauce, serve over rice, topped with a bit more sauce, and a helping of the onions. Finally, garnish with sliced scallions and enjoy!
