Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. This Korean-style ground turkey recipe combines savory, sweet, spicy, and a touch of saltiness for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this dish is easy to make and packed with bold flavors. The combination of ground turkey with a tangy sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and chives creates a satisfying meal served with rice and vegetables.
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Why You Should Try This Korean-Style Ground Turkey
This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a fantastic way to bring something new to your dinner table. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a healthy alternative to other ground meat dishes. With ground turkey as the base, you get a lean protein option without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to bring everything together:
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor that anchors the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it the right consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dish, balancing out the heat from the chili flakes.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds spice to the dish, adjust according to your preference.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty aroma and flavor, perfect for stir-frying.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
• Fresh Ginger: Offers a zesty and slightly spicy kick.
• Ground Turkey: The main protein, lean and mild in flavor, perfect for absorbing the sauce.
• Chives: Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor for garnish and an extra layer of brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty finish to the dish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, here are a few swaps to make this recipe work for you:
• Ground Chicken or Pork: If you don’t have ground turkey, lean ground chicken or even pork works great as an alternative.
• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Chili Paste: If you like more heat and flavor complexity, use chili paste instead of red chili flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Korean-style ground turkey recipe is quick and easy. Follow these steps to bring it to life:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the turkey no longer has a raw red color.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Stir well, keeping the heat high for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns golden brown. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chives, saving some for garnish. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve your Korean-style ground turkey over rice and vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
• Avoid Overcooking the Turkey: Keep an eye on the turkey to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Ground turkey cooks quickly, so stir often and remove it from heat as soon as it’s done.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or leave them out entirely. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Korean-style ground turkey pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
• Rice: Serve the ground turkey over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Vegetables: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or carrots to your plate for a healthy and colorful meal.
• Noodles: For a twist, serve the ground turkey with noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for a quick noodle bowl.
For a variation, try using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Why Ground Turkey Is a Great Choice for Your Meals
Ground turkey is not only a healthier alternative to other meats, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Its mild flavor allows it to take on various seasoning profiles, making it suitable for a range of cuisines, from this Korean-style recipe to classic Italian meatballs or Mexican tacos. Plus, ground turkey is a leaner protein compared to beef or pork, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a family meal, ground turkey is a budget-friendly, nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Conclusion
This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. It’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors that will delight your taste buds. With lean ground turkey, a savory sauce, and fresh garnishes like sesame seeds and chives, it offers a healthy, yet flavorful, meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy the delicious balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground turkey in this recipe. Ground chicken is a great lean alternative, while ground pork adds a richer flavor. Both work well with the Korean-style seasoning, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Korean-style ground turkey can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave, and serve over fresh rice or vegetables for a quick meal. It also freezes well if you want to prepare it in larger batches for future use.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a bit of chili paste to the sauce. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce can be incorporated into the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
More Relevant Recipes
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Ground Turkey
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a delicious, healthy dish featuring ground turkey in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and can be served with rice or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 15 oz (450g) ground turkey
- 6 tbsp chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Mix until the cornstarch is dissolved and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and break it into small pieces. Cook until the turkey turns brown and loses its raw red color.
- Stir in the soy sauce mixture and keep over high heat for 2 more minutes, until the sauce turns golden brown and fragrant. Add 1 tbsp water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Add chives (save some for garnish) and turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped chives. Serve with rice and vegetables.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or add chili paste.
- For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 869mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
