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Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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