If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors, a touch of sweetness, and an irresistible savory punch all in one, this Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe is your new go-to. It combines lean ground turkey with a savory soy-based sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and just the right hint of garlic and ginger to brighten every bite. Perfectly balanced and incredibly simple, this dish delivers satisfying texture and vibrant flavor, making it an easy weeknight winner that feels special enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that give this dish its characteristic punch. From the nutty sesame oil to the punchy ginger and garlic, every element is essential for capturing that authentic Korean-inspired taste.
- Soy sauce: A salty, umami-packed base that deepens the dish’s flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect glaze on the turkey.
- Brown sugar: Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the soy sauce’s saltiness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty richness that stands out brilliantly.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein that soaks up every drop of flavor for a moist, tender bite.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a pungent aroma and depth of taste.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that’s essential in Korean cuisine.
- Chopped chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and a pinch of red chili flakes in a small bowl until completely smooth. This simple mixture is the flavor powerhouse that transforms plain ground turkey into this Korean-inspired delight. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld while you cook the turkey.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases the essential oils and aromas that create a delicious foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the ground turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, making sure to brown it slightly for added flavor and texture. Getting a little caramelization here really amps up the savory notes in this Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe.
Step 4: Combine turkey and sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked turkey, turning the heat to high. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to every morsel. This glazing step is where the magic happens, locking in moisture and delivering that signature Korean-inspired tang and sweetness.
Step 5: Add finishing touches
Stir in chopped chives for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Once everything is combined and piping hot, your Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe is ready to serve.
How to Serve Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the dish just before serving. They add a lovely crunch and nuttiness that make every bite more interesting. If you want to brighten it further, a handful of finely chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions works wonderfully here too.
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic served with steamed white or brown rice to soak up that irresistible sauce. For a low-carb alternative, steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas pair perfectly. You can also serve it alongside a simple kimchi salad for an authentic Korean touch and a bit of spicy crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the cooked Korean-style ground turkey into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal. They make great appetizers or light lunches. You can also use it as a hearty filling for rice bowls or wraps. Mixing in pickled vegetables or a fried egg on top can turn this simple recipe into a show-stopping dish everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed well prevents the moisture from escaping and helps the flavors stay fresh and bold.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep the turkey moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the lean turkey.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will provide a similarly lean and mild base for the sauce. Just be mindful of cooking times as chicken can cook a bit faster.
How spicy is the Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe?
The recipe has a mild heatiness from red chili flakes, but it isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor.
Is sesame oil necessary, or can I use another oil?
Sesame oil is highly recommended because of its distinctive nutty flavor that defines this dish, but if you don’t have it, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil. Just know the flavor profile will be a bit different.
What is the best way to serve this dish for a family dinner?
Serve it over steamed rice with a variety of quick sides like sautéed spinach, kimchi, and pickled cucumbers. Providing small bowls of garnishes lets everyone customize their plates, making dinner interactive and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite easy weeknight meals because it combines simplicity with maximum flavor impact. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s comforting, refreshing, and the perfect way to brighten up busy nights with something truly delicious.
Print
Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ground turkey is cooked with aromatic garlic and fresh ginger, then simmered in a savory soy-based sauce thickened with cornstarch and sweetened with brown sugar. Garnished with chopped chives and sesame seeds, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Main
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 15 oz ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Garnish
- Chopped chives
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes until smooth. Set this mixture aside to use later.
- Heat aromatics: Warm the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add sauce and thicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked turkey. Increase the heat to high and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the turkey evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped chives, then sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serve the Korean-style ground turkey hot with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
