Korean-Style Ground Turkey (Printable)

Vibrant ground turkey with Korean spices, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Ready in 30 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Sauce

01 - 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium preferred
02 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

→ Turkey Base

05 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 15 ounces ground turkey

→ Garnish

09 - 6 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

→ Serving

11 - Steamed white or brown rice
12 - Steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or carrots

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes until cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Pour prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat turkey. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on high heat, allowing sauce to thicken and become glossy. Add 1 tablespoon water if sauce becomes too thick.
05 - Stir in chopped chives, reserving some for garnish. Remove from heat.
06 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and remaining chives over turkey. Serve hot over rice with steamed or sautéed vegetables.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of the price and you control every ingredient that goes in.
  • The sauce thickens into this beautiful glaze that clings to every bite of turkey.
  • Cleanup is minimal because everything happens in one skillet.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded together overnight.
02 -
  • Don't walk away during the garlic and ginger step because they burn in seconds and turn bitter.
  • If your sauce gets too thick, a tablespoon of water loosens it right back up without diluting the flavor.
  • Let the turkey brown a bit instead of stirring constantly—that caramelization adds depth.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden for maximum nutty flavor.
03 -
  • Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
  • Prep your garlic and ginger before you start cooking because this recipe moves fast once the heat is on.
  • Double the sauce if you like extra to spoon over your rice—it's that good.
  • Try ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile that's just as delicious.
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