Ground Meat or Tofu Prep

This recipe includes variations for tacos, Asian and Italian meals.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground meat (or tofu) of choice – beef, turkey, pork or firm tofu – pressed of water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Water, as needed

Taco-Style Seasoning

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp. oregano

• ½ tsp. onion powder

• ½ tsp. garlic powder

Italian-Style Seasoning

• 1 ½ tsp. Italian Herbs (or an equal mixture of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)

• ½ tsp. onion powder

• ½ tsp. garlic powder

Asian-Style Seasoning

• 1 tsp fresh garlic

• 1 tsp. fresh ginger root, grated

• 1 tbsp. soy sauce

• 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce (or plum sauce)

• 1 tsp. sesame oil

• Sesame seeds, to taste

• Green onion, sliced, to taste

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add olive oil and ground meat.  Break  up meat with a spatula or wooden spoon, and get some nice browning on the surface of the meat. 

2. Choose a seasoning choice below and add to the ground meat.  Add about ¼ c. water to the mixture and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer until flavors meld, about 10 minutes.  Use immediately, or cool on a cookie sheet before packaging.