Making dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, especially when you have a recipe that’s as delightful as this Korean-Style Ground Turkey dish. It’s a dish I often turn to when I want something packed with flavor and quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger creates an aromatic allure that’s simply irresistible. You can serve it on bowls of rice alongside fresh vegetables, making it not only nourishing but also satisfying.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience and the flavors that come together in harmony. Here’s why you’ll love making this Korean-Style Ground Turkey:
- Quick and Easy: You can have this meal on the table in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey is often more affordable than other meats, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.
- Kid-Approved: The mild flavors and slight sweetness make it appealing for all ages. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new flavors without overwhelming them.
"This dish is a weeknight savior! My kids devoured it, and my husband couldn’t get enough. I can’t believe how easy it was to make!" – A happy home cook.
Preparing Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style)
Let’s break down the cooking process so you know what to expect. This recipe consists of just a few simple steps:
- Create a rich and savory sauce.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for an aromatic base.
- Cook the ground turkey until perfectly tender.
- Mix everything together and finish with chives and sesame seeds.
Now you’re ready to gather your ingredients!
What you’ll need
To bring this flavorful dish to life, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 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
Feel free to adjust the spice levels with the chili flakes based on your preference!
Directions to follow
Follow these simple steps to create your Korean-Style Ground Turkey:
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes until the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant.
Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into small chunks while cooking until all red color is gone.
Combine and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce mixture, keeping the heat high. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is golden brown. (If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water.) Toss in most of the chopped chives, reserving some for garnish, and turn off the heat.
Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with the remaining chives. Serve hot over rice with a side of vegetables.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this dish can be as simple or as fancy as you like! Here are some ideas:
- Over Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice is the perfect backdrop for this savory dish.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a light twist, wrap the turkey in crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy them as fresh, crunchy bites.
- With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair it with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh and minimize waste, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store your cooked ground turkey in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the turkey mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to warm evenly.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few tips to elevate your cooking experience:
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop your garlic, ginger, and chives ahead of time for an even quicker cooking process.
- Adjust the Flavors: Don’t be afraid to tweak the soy sauce or sugar to suit your taste. A bit more sweetness can complement the heat beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: The sesame seeds and chives add not only color but also texture, so don’t skimp on the garnish!
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or carrots into the turkey as it cooks for added texture and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you like it spicy, consider adding a dash of Sriracha or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
- Swap Proteins: Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be great substitutes if you’re looking for something different.
Your questions answered
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
What’s the prep time for this dish?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes another 10, so you’ll have dinner ready in around 20 minutes!
Can I substitute ground turkey with something else?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even lean beef can work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Enjoy creating this quick and delicious Korean-Style Ground Turkey that is sure to impress at any meal!
Print
Korean-Style Ground Turkey
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring ground turkey, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes until the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into small chunks while cooking until all red color is gone.
- Combine and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce mixture, keeping the heat high. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is golden brown. Toss in most of the chopped chives, reserving some for garnish, and turn off the heat.
- Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with the remaining chives. Serve hot over rice with a side of vegetables.
Notes
For added nutrition, serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried veggies. This dish is kid-approved and easily adjustable in spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg