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Korean Ground Turkey Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

This flavorful Korean Ground Turkey recipe combines lean ground turkey with a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Cooked quickly on the stovetop and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, it’s perfect served over steamed rice with fresh grated carrots, purple cabbage, and optional kimchi for an authentic Korean-inspired meal in just 20 minutes.

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

To Serve

  • Steamed rice
  • Carrots, grated
  • Purple cabbage, grated
  • Kimchi

Instructions

  1. Heat aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics until fragrant and the onion softens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red chili powder. Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the meat into small pieces. Cover with a lid and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the meat stays moist.
  3. Prepare the sauce: While the turkey cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black vinegar or mirin, water or chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine and thicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked turkey. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and coats the turkey evenly.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted white sesame seeds on top. Serve the Korean ground turkey warm over steamed rice, with fresh grated carrots, purple cabbage, and kimchi on the side or mixed in as preferred.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red chili powder or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Using black vinegar adds a subtle tang, but mirin can be used as a sweeter alternative.
  • Make sure not to overcook the turkey to keep it tender and juicy.
  • This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables or kimchi for authentic flavor and texture balance.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/korean-ground-turkey-recipe/