Korean Ground Turkey Recipe

If you’re craving a flavor-packed weeknight meal with a healthy twist, Korean Ground Turkey is your new go-to. Juicy, savory turkey coated in a glossy, garlicky Korean-style sauce and finished with a vibrant, crunchy cucumber-carrot salad—this dish is just as irresistible as it is easy to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Korean Ground Turkey is its fuss-free ingredient list. Each element here plays an important role—whether bringing that signature Korean flavor, adding crunch, or balancing out the dish with vibrant colors.

• 1 cup long grain white rice: The fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the bold, sticky-sweet sauce.
• 1 lb lean ground turkey: A protein-fueled, lighter choice that still absorbs all the glaze and flavor.
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil: Adds a deep, toasty aroma that makes Korean dishes unforgettable.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: For that unmistakable garlicky kick in both the turkey and the sauce.
• 1 bunch green onions (half for garnish): Green onions add a mild bite and gorgeous green pop.
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced: Delivers warmth, zing, and authentic Korean aromatics.
• 3 stalks celery (about 1/2 cup chopped): Brings subtle crunch that plays so well with the caramelized meat.
• Sauce: 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 2½ Tbsp honey, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce, ½ tsp red pepper flakes: This combo creates that glossy, sweet-and-salty Korean magic.
• Cucumber-Carrot Salad: 1½ Tbsp white sugar, ¼ tsp sea salt, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 1½ cup matchstick carrots, 1¾ cup English cucumbers, thinly sliced: The sweet, tangy, and crunchy side that makes every bite more refreshing.

Variations

Korean Ground Turkey is wonderfully adaptable—which means you can always tailor it to your mood, pantry, or what you need for dinner tonight! Ready for a twist? Try one of these creative variations:

• Swap Your Protein: Not a turkey fan? Ground chicken or even ground beef work beautifully, soaking up that sweet-savory sauce.
• Make it Low-Carb: Sub cauliflower rice for white rice and dive in guilt-free while keeping every bite flavorful.
• Heat It Up or Tone It Down: Adjust the chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes to make things extra spicy—or skip them for a milder family-friendly meal.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
• Go Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari for a completely gluten-free, umami-packed meal.

How to Make Korean Ground Turkey

Step 1: Pickle the Cucumber and Carrot Salad

Kick things off by tossing the cucumbers and carrots with sugar, salt, and rice vinegar right in a bowl. This quick pickle only takes a couple of minutes and brings irresistible crunch and zip to your Korean ground turkey bowl. Pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest—it gets more flavorful as it sits!

Step 2: Get the Rice Cooking

Start your rice now—it usually takes about 20 minutes to get that perfect fluffy, steamy texture. This way, your starch will finish alongside your caramelized turkey, making dinnertime seamless and stress-free.

Step 3: Mix Up the Korean Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes. This savory, spicy, slightly sweet sauce is the true heart of Korean Ground Turkey—so don’t skip this quick step!

Step 4: Brown the Turkey

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet and add the ground turkey. Let it brown for about eight minutes, breaking it up as you go. If there’s extra liquid, just soak it up with a paper towel—this will ensure your meat gets a lovely caramelized crust and doesn’t steam.

Step 5: Add Aromatics & Veggies

Add in your freshly minced garlic, ginger, celery, and half the green onions. Let these flavors mingle with the turkey for ultimate depth and color, flattening the meat a bit in the skillet so it gets those delicious crispy edges.

Step 6: Caramelize with Sauce

Pour the Korean sauce over the turkey mixture—then resist the urge to stir! Let it sit undisturbed 4 to 7 minutes. This creates those magical caramelized bits that mimic authentic Korean barbecue, all with lean ground turkey.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Give it a final toss with the remaining green onions for a burst of flavor and color. Layer the rice, the sizzling Korean ground turkey, and your vibrant cucumber carrot salad in bowls. Garnish to your heart’s content and enjoy!

How to Serve Korean Ground Turkey

Garnishes

A final flourish of green onion, toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of extra chili garlic sauce lets you customize each bowl to your taste. I love adding a tiny drizzle of sesame oil right before serving for an extra layer of nutty aroma!

Side Dishes

Korean Ground Turkey is a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic with a humble bowl of miso soup, steamed broccoli, or a side of simple sautéed greens. And if you’re hungry for more, serve it up with extra banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi or pickled daikon!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the turkey and salad in lettuce cups, piled high in a grain bowl with quinoa, or even tucked into steamed bao buns. It’s a perfect “build-your-own” meal for picky eaters or dinner parties—let everyone assemble their perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Korean Ground Turkey cool before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making it a meal-prep superstar for quick lunches and speedy dinners.

Freezing

Want to stock up? The ground turkey mix freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then stash it in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight—rice and salad are best made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, just microwave the turkey mixture until piping hot, or warm gently on the stove. If you want to bring back a little crispiness, try a quick sauté in a skillet with a splash of water. The salad is best enjoyed cold and freshly tossed!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give this Korean Ground Turkey a try—it might just become the most-requested recipe in your home! Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

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