Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style): A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, savory meal at the end of a long day. When I first discovered this Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style), it instantly transported me back to the bustling street markets of Seoul, where the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and spices mingling harmoniously. This recipe, with its rich soy sauce glaze and tender turkey, embodies that same spirit of warmth and comfort—but in the form of an easy weeknight dinner that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes!
As the leaves begin to change and the air starts to crisp, it’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones for a delicious and hearty meal. With a touch of sweetness, just enough spice, and a sprinkle of chives, it’s a dish that promises to feed not just your belly but your soul. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor—an irresistible blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Family-friendly—great for both adults and kids alike.
- Versatile—you can serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of fresh vegetables.
- Healthy and lean—ground turkey is a great source of protein.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple 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
Let’s Make It Together
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Mix until the cornstarch is dissolved; set aside.
Drizzle a large skillet with sesame oil. Stir in garlic and ginger, allowing them to sizzle until fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks. Fry until the turkey loses its raw red color, and you can see it getting that lovely golden hue.
Stir in the soy sauce mixture and keep over high heat for another two more minutes, until the sauce becomes a fragrant, golden brown (you can add a tablespoon of water if the sauce gets too thick). Toss in the chopped chives (save some for garnishing) and turn off the heat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and adorn with extra chives. This dish is best served with steaming rice and your favorite vegetables!
Variations & Creative Twists
Add Some Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas along with the turkey for a colorful, crunchy texture!
Zesty Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors right before serving.
Crispy Crunch: Top your dish with crushed peanuts or cashews for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Creamy Goodness: Drizzle some peanut or sesame sauce over the top for an indulgent, creamy finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the ground turkey mixture earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of ground turkey, ground chicken or beef can work well too.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Slicing Tricks: When chopping chives, use kitchen scissors for a quick and easy way to get perfectly snipped pieces without making a mess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the turkey mixture in advance for a quick meal later.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last? Leftovers can be enjoyed for a few days but are best consumed fresh for optimal flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style) is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, ready to bring you comfort and joy after a long day. With its mouthwatering flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find it becoming a staple in your weeknight rotation. Save this recipe to your cozy dinner board so it’s ready when you need that perfect blend of ease and indulgence! Happy cooking!
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Ground Turkey Recipe (Korean-Style)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry, Low-Carb
Description
A comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring ground turkey in a savory soy sauce glaze, perfect for busy evenings.
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
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Mix until the cornstarch is dissolved; set aside.
- Drizzle a large skillet with sesame oil. Stir in garlic and ginger, allowing them to sizzle until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks. Fry until the turkey loses its raw red color and gets a lovely golden hue.
- Stir in the soy sauce mixture and keep over high heat for another two minutes until the sauce becomes fragrant and golden brown.
- Toss in the chopped chives (save some for garnishing) and turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra chives before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served with steaming rice and your favorite vegetables. Make-ahead option available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground turkey, Korean recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, savory dish