Name: Korean Ground Turkey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Cooked rice, for serving

Hey y’all! If you’re craving bold, savory flavors but want to keep things easy and light, this Korean Ground Turkey recipe is here to make your dinner routine more exciting! With its sweet, spicy, and umami-packed sauce coating tender ground Turkey, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing friends at a casual get-together. Ready to give your taste buds a treat? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Turkey

Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish!
Protein-packed and lighter than traditional beef versions.
Loaded with crave-worthy Korean flavors: sweet, savory, spicy, and garlicky.
Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day!
Versatile enough to serve with rice, lettuce wraps, or noodles.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1-2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cooked rice, lettuce wraps, or steamed vegetables for serving

Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the onion and garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
Shred the carrot for a fresh crunch.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until just softened.
Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned all over.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Veggies

Reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang (if using), and rice vinegar.
Stir until the mixture is well combined and the turkey is fully coated.
Gently fold in shredded carrot and most of the green onions. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is well incorporated and heated through.
Season with cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
Serve hot over steamed rice, in lettuce cups, or with noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before using them as garnish.
Adjust the amount of gochujang or sriracha to control the level of spice.
This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Variations

Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps: Serve the turkey mixture in crisp lettuce leaves with julienned cucumber and carrots.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Cutting board and knife
Grater for ginger
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Let Korean Ground Turkey cool to room temperature before storing.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over hot jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal.
Try with pickled cucumbers or kimchi on the side for a true Korean flavor blast.
Garnish with extra sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha for added heat.

Pro Tips

For juicier turkey, don’t overcook—stop as soon as it’s just cooked through.
Use freshly grated ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
As the sauce reduces, keep an eye on the moisture level to keep the turkey tender.

FAQ

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and ground beef work well in this recipe—just drain any excess fat if using beef.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on how much gochujang or sriracha you use. Start with less and add to taste!
Can I meal prep this Korean Ground Turkey?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier for meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4