Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with savory, slightly sweet, and spicy notes, it pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables for a balanced 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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then set the mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Stir and break it into small chunks, cooking until it loses its raw pink color.
4. Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce mixture and increase heat to high. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes golden brown and aromatic. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water.
5. Step 5: Stir in chopped chives, reserving some for garnish, then turn off the heat.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle sesame seeds and remaining chives on top. Serve warm with rice and your favorite vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end before serving.
• Adjust red chili flakes to control the spice level or substitute with gochujang for a richer Korean flavor.
• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
• Add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during cooking for more texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover ground turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great option to reduce salt in the dish. You may want to adjust other seasonings to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

This Korean-Style Ground Turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a touch of sweetness balanced with chili flakes for a hint of heat. Stir-fried with sesame oil and garnished with fresh chives and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is perfect served over rice or with your favorite vegetables for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Mixture

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste)

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 15 oz / 450g ground turkey
• 6 tbsp chives (chopped, divided)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and use a spatula to break it into small chunks. Continue cooking and stirring until the turkey loses its raw pink color, cooking through evenly.
3. Add Sauce and Cook Further: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Stir well to coat the meat evenly, then continue cooking over high heat for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and turn a golden brown while becoming fragrant. If the sauce appears too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to loosen it. Stir in most of the chopped chives, reserving some for garnishing, then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked turkey with the toasted sesame seeds and the reserved chopped chives on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your preferred level of spiciness.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground pork if desired.
• Toasting the sesame seeds beforehand enhances their nutty flavor.
• This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Ground turkey, Korean recipe, stir-fry, quick dinner, savory, spicy, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, easy meal