Brazilian Turkey Skillet with Hearts of Palm, Corn and Coconut Cream with Crunchy Tapioca Farofa
Brazilian Food
Intermediate

Brazilian Turkey Skillet with Hearts of Palm, Corn and Coconut Cream with Crunchy Tapioca Farofa

An original Brazilian-inspired recipe featuring seared turkey with onion, bell pepper, corn, and hearts of palm in a silky coconut sauce, brightened with lime, cilantro, and paprika. It is finished with a quick toasted tapioca farofa for a crunchy texture.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g turkey breast, diced (3/4 inch cubes)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped)
  • 30 ml lime juice (divided)
  • 4 g sweet paprika
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 8 g salt (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 150 g yellow onion (chopped)
  • 140 g red bell pepper (diced)
  • 180 g tomato (without semillas, diced)
  • 150 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 220 g hearts of palm (escurridos and sliced)
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 120 ml chicken broth
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
  • 15 g chives (chopped)
  • 80 g granulated tapioca (for farofa)
  • 28 g butter (for the farofa)
  • 20 g unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 g lime zest

Nutrition facts

per serving

478 kcal
Calories
36 g
Protein
20 g
Carbs
28 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
16 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a bowl, combine the turkey with the garlic, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, sweet paprika, cumin, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

  2. 2

    2. Heat a large skillet or shallow pot over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and brown the turkey for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring to sear all sides. Transfer the turkey to a plate; it does not need to be fully cooked yet.

  3. 3

    3. In the same skillet, add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato and cook 2 more minutes until it starts to break down.

  4. 4

    4. Add the corn, hearts of palm, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Return the turkey to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes.

  5. 5

    5. Pour in the coconut milk and reduce to medium heat. Season with the remaining 4 g (about 1/2 tsp) salt and 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and the sauce is lightly thickened.

  6. 6

    6. Meanwhile, make the tapioca farofa. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the granulated tapioca and coconut flakes, and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and crunchy. Turn off the heat and mix in the lime zest.

  7. 7

    7. Finish the skillet with the chives, chopped cilantro, and the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

  8. 8

    8. Serve the skillet hot, topped with the crunchy tapioca farofa. If you want to keep it warm before serving, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and hold at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 15 minutes.

Chef tips

For a more Brazilian flavor profile, use tender fresh cilantro and full-fat coconut milk. Do not over-toast the tapioca; it should stay pale-golden and crunchy, not dark.

Substitutions

You can substitute the turkey with diced chicken. Hearts of palm can be replaced with sautéed zucchini if unavailable. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter in the farofa with olive oil.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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