If you’re craving a dish that is quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying, then this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bringing together the savory richness of ground turkey with the bold notes of garlic, ginger, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this recipe is bursting with delicious Korean-inspired flavors that come together in just 20 minutes. It’s a wonderful twist on a familiar protein, offering a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a family dinner, this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most memorable dishes, and this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe is no exception. Each component has a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite delightful.
- Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect base to sauté your aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- Medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtly sweet crunch that mellows when cooked.
- Garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable sharpness and warmth essential in Korean cuisine.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Offers a zesty freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean, tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and earthiness.
- Red chili powder (optional): Perfect for those who like a little spicy kick to wake up their palate.
- Toasted white sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe’s sauce.
- Brown sugar: Introduces a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness and acidity.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a deep, toasted flavor that makes the dish unmistakably Korean.
- Black vinegar or mirin: Adds a subtle tang or gentle sweetness to lift the sauce.
- Water or chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough for silky consistency.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite of turkey.
- Steamed rice: The classic base to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- Grated carrots and purple cabbage: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and freshness.
- Kimchi: For that quintessential tangy and spicy Korean sidekick.
How to Make Korean Ground Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavorful Start
Begin by heating vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and sizzles. Toss in your thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cooking these aromatics gently for about 2 to 3 minutes releases their fragrances and forms the flavor foundation that will make the dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey to Tender Perfection
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and let it brown, stirring occasionally to break it into fine pieces. This step takes about 6 to 8 minutes and it’s important to cover the pan afterward and let it simmer for a couple more minutes. This keeps the turkey juicy and tender, preventing any dryness which can sometimes happen with lean meats.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Signature Korean Sauce
While your turkey is cooking, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black vinegar or mirin, water or chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that defines this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe’s delicious sauce. Make sure to whisk until everything is smooth to avoid lumps later on.
Step 4: Simmer the Turkey in the Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked turkey and stir consistently for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and coating every morsel of turkey with that rich, glossy glaze that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Step 5: Garnish and Get Ready to Serve
The finishing touch is easy but impactful: sprinkle toasted white sesame seeds on top for an added nutty crunch and a visually stunning presentation. Now your Korean Ground Turkey Recipe is ready to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds!
How to Serve Korean Ground Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds adds texture and a lightly nutty flavor that beautifully complements the savory turkey. You can also add finely sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness that elevates the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This Korean Ground Turkey Recipe pairs perfectly with steamed white rice that soaks up every flavorful bit of sauce. For a colorful, crunchy contrast, grated carrots and purple cabbage bring brightness and a natural sweetness. And of course, if you want an authentic Korean experience, serve it alongside a small bowl of spicy, fermented kimchi—it’s the ultimate flavor and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to mix things up, try serving the ground turkey over lettuce wraps or inside warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired taco twist. You can also use this savory turkey mixture as a topping for noodles or even spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, wholesome meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Korean Ground Turkey Recipe, simply cool any leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping all those delicious flavors intact and ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled ground turkey in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your stored Korean ground turkey, warm it gently over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, just be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! While this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe shines using lean turkey, ground chicken, beef, or even pork work well too. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
Is it necessary to use black vinegar or mirin in the sauce?
The black vinegar or mirin adds acidity and a slight sweetness that balances the saltiness and richness of the sauce. If you don’t have either, a splash of rice vinegar or even lemon juice can work as a substitute.
How spicy is this recipe with the red chili powder?
The red chili powder is optional and can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. Using it adds a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, check any broth or vinegar used to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
What’s the best way to serve this for meal prep?
This Korean Ground Turkey Recipe is fantastic for meal prep because it holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Pack portions with steamed rice and separately packed fresh veggies or kimchi for a quick and wholesome lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Korean Ground Turkey Recipe is like inviting a burst of vibrant Korean flavors into your everyday meals with minimal effort. It’s fast, delicious, and versatile, making it perfect for busy lives that still crave home-cooked goodness. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—just like I do! So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a tasty dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Print
Korean Ground Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Korean Ground Turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground turkey cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and onions, simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and served over steamed rice with fresh shredded vegetables and kimchi, it offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors ideal for a speedy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, to make it spicy)
- 1 teaspoon toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon black vinegar or mirin
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed rice
- Carrots, grated
- Purple cabbage, grated
- Kimchi
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling, approximately 1 minute. Add the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey, salt, black pepper, and optional red chili powder to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking the meat into small pieces with a spatula until the turkey is no longer pink. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the turkey simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to keep it moist.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black vinegar or mirin, water or chicken broth, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Combine Sauce and Turkey: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked turkey in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and coats the turkey evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted white sesame seeds over the dish. Serve the Korean ground turkey warm alongside steamed rice, topped with grated carrots, purple cabbage, and/or kimchi according to your preference.
Notes
- For added spice, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
- Use black vinegar or mirin depending on your flavor preference; black vinegar gives a tangier taste, mirin is sweeter.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with extra kimchi for authentic Korean flavor and added probiotics.
