Pin It Transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, quick, and flavorful Korean-inspired meal that is perfect for any busy weeknight. This ground turkey dish features a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce balanced by the warmth of fresh ginger and garlic, offering a high-protein dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste.
Pin It The secret to this dish lies in the aromatic base of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, which infuses the lean turkey with incredible depth. By using a cornstarch-thickened sauce, the meat becomes perfectly coated in a savory glaze that clings to every bite, especially when served over a fluffy bed of rice.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp (7 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 15 oz (450 g) ground turkey
- 6 tbsp chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Step 2
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 4
- Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to coat the turkey. Cook for 2–3 minutes on high heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and turn glossy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water.
- Step 5
- Stir in the chopped chives, reserving some for garnish. Remove from heat.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and the remaining chives. Serve hot over rice with your choice of vegetables.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the soy sauce mixture before adding it to the hot pan to prevent lumps. If you want a deeper aromatic profile, use freshly grated ginger rather than the bottled variety.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile; you can substitute the turkey with ground chicken or pork if desired. To increase the spice level, add an extra pinch of chili flakes or a spoonful of Korean gochujang. For a gluten-free version, replace the soy sauce with tamari.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the turkey hot over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice. Complement the meal with vibrant vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or crisp carrots. This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of barley tea or a crisp, dry Riesling.
Pin It With only 230 calories per serving, this Korean-style ground turkey is a lean and satisfying meal that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and protein in every steaming bowl.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or pork work perfectly as substitutes. Both meats absorb the Korean sauce beautifully and cook in the same timeframe. Adjust cooking time slightly if using darker meat like pork to ensure it's fully cooked through.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes for moderate heat. For a milder version, reduce to ¼ teaspoon. To turn up the heat, add more flakes or a tablespoon of Korean gochujang paste when stirring in the sauce.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
This ground turkey reheats beautifully and often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- → What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, spinach, carrots, or bok choy complement the savory flavors. You can also add snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. For a complete meal, serve over white or brown rice.
- → Is this gluten-free?
The dish contains soy sauce which typically has gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients including the ground turkey and spices are naturally gluten-free.
- → Why is the sauce not thickening?
The cornstarch needs high heat to activate and thicken the sauce. If it's still thin after 2-3 minutes, cook for another minute or two. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach the desired consistency.