This Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes. Ground turkey becomes tender and juicy as it simmers with aromatic spices like curry powder, garam masala, and cumin, all enriched with creamy coconut milk. It’s a delightful dish that balances spice, creaminess, and a touch of warmth, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dinner that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for a wholesome and delicious dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From the savory depth of onion and garlic to the vibrant and warming spices, every element contributes to the perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and color.
- ½ white onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and a soft base for the curry’s rich flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances the cooking process by adding a subtle fruity richness and preventing sticking.
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced): Brings an aromatic pungency that complements the spices perfectly.
- 1 pound 90/10 ground turkey: A lean protein that absorbs the spices beautifully while staying moist and tender.
- 1 ¼ cups full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness, balancing the curry’s spice level.
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder: The star spice blend that gives the dish its signature curry flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: Adds warm, complex notes that elevate the depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon cumin: Provides an earthy undertone essential for classic curry profiles.
- â…› teaspoon turmeric: Gives a beautiful golden hue and mild, aromatic flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (plus more to taste): Adds a kick of heat—adjust to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Enhances and ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness.
- Cooked basmati rice (for serving): The perfect fluffy base to soak up all that delicious curry sauce.
- Finely chopped fresh cilantro (for serving, optional): Adds a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe
Step 1: Cook Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. This step creates a tender, flavorful foundation for your curry, softening the onions until their natural sweetness unfolds.
Step 2: Cook Turkey and Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic along with the ground turkey. Break up the turkey as it cooks, stirring every few minutes so it crumbles evenly and cooks through without any pink remaining. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. The combination of turkey and aromatic garlic sets the stage for the rich curry flavors to come.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
In a small bowl, whisk together curry powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour this spice blend over the cooked turkey mixture and stir to evenly distribute the spices. Then, add the coconut milk to the pan and stir until everything is perfectly combined. Reduce the heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the spices to infuse the turkey, melding the flavors into a creamy, irresistible curry.
Step 4: Serve
After your curry has simmered to fragrant perfection, it’s time to plate it up! Serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. The rice soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce, making each bite a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro on top brings a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the curry. You can also sprinkle a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of toasted cashews for extra texture and zing.
Side Dishes
This curry pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed basmati rice or even naan bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a green contrast, consider serving with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green beans. These sides add freshness and crunch, rounding out a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just change things up? Serve your curry in small bowls alongside an array of toppings like sliced red chili, yogurt, or chopped green onions. You can even turn it into a curry bowl by adding roasted vegetables, avocado slices, and a drizzle of coconut yogurt for a trendy, nutrient-packed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it ideal for leftovers. Store the cooled curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice separate to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freezing
If you want to make this curry ahead for future meals, it freezes beautifully. Place cooled curry in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to retain their freshness and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the curry gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of water or coconut milk if it thickens too much after refrigeration. For convenience, you can also microwave leftovers in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and will give you a similarly light but flavorful curry. Just be mindful of cooking time since chicken cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference by reducing or omitting the cayenne entirely. The warmth from turmeric and garam masala will still deliver a rich, comforting flavor without overwhelming heat.
Is it possible to make this curry dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it relies on coconut milk for creaminess rather than yogurt or cream. Just make sure your curry powder blend does not contain any hidden dairy ingredients.
Can I prepare the spice mix in advance?
Definitely! Mixing your curry spices ahead of time saves prep work. Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a month to keep the flavors vibrant and ready when you want to whip up this easy ground turkey curry recipe.
What can I substitute for basmati rice?
If you don’t have basmati rice, jasmine rice or even quinoa can be excellent alternatives. They each add a slightly different texture and aroma but will soak up the curry sauce just as well.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe will become a treasured staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and hearty without being heavy or complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish offers comforting warmth and satisfying taste that hits the spot every time. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Easy Ground Turkey Curry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful ground turkey curry made with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Served over basmati rice and optionally garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ white onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pound 90/10 ground turkey
- 1 ¼ cups full-fat coconut milk
Spices
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- â…› teaspoon turmeric
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Cooked basmati rice
- Finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soften.
- Cook turkey: Add the minced garlic and ground turkey to the pan. Cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink inside.
- Season and simmer: In a small bowl, whisk together the curry powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour the spice mixture and the full-fat coconut milk into the skillet with the turkey. Stir until everything is well combined. Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve with rice: Spoon the ground turkey curry over cooked basmati rice. Garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the curry according to your taste preference.
- Using 90/10 ground turkey provides a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- Full-fat coconut milk gives the curry its rich and creamy texture; light coconut milk can be used but will be less creamy.
- Serve with naan bread for an alternative to basmati rice.
- The curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
