Name: Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
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

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If you’re a fan of ground turkey and love bold flavors, this Korean-style Ground Turkey recipe is perfect for you! With its savory soy sauce, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and a hint of heat from chili flakes, this dish is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and umami. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, lunches, or even packed in a lunchbox. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a well-rounded, flavorful meal.

Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a savory and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor. Ground turkey is cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a flavorful soy-based sauce that’s balanced with brown sugar and red chili flakes for a hint of spice. Topped with sesame seeds and fresh chives, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s quick to make, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prepping or serving to your family.

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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 Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Then, add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into small chunks. Continue cooking until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
Add the Sauce: Stir in the prepared soy sauce mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes over high heat, until the sauce turns golden brown and fragrant. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the chopped chives (reserve some for garnish). Turn off the heat and give everything a final stir.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and garnish with the remaining chives. Serve the dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add More Heat: If you love spicy dishes, increase the amount of chili flakes or even add some chopped fresh chili to the turkey while cooking.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the ground turkey mixture for extra color and nutrients.
Swap the Protein: You can substitute the ground turkey with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a different protein option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground turkey mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

What type of rice should I serve with this?

Plain white or brown rice is a great option for serving with this dish. You could also try serving it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add more red chili flakes or toss in some chopped fresh chili to increase the heat level.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken can easily be swapped for ground turkey in this recipe, and it will taste just as delicious!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the dish and add more texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

How can I make the sauce less salty?

To reduce the saltiness, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute the sauce with a bit of water or broth.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground turkey mixture for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, though it won’t have the same nutty flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Conclusion

This Korean-style Ground Turkey recipe is quick, flavorful, and a perfect option for busy weeknights. With its savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a little kick of heat from chili flakes, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Topped with sesame seeds and fresh chives, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal that everyone will love.