Korean-Style Ground Turkey (Print Version)

Flavorful Korean-inspired ground turkey with spicy-sweet sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame in just 30 minutes.

# What to Use:

→ 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

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

→ Finishes and Garnish

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

# How to Prepare:

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. Add sesame oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and fully cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Pour prepared soy sauce mixture into skillet. Stir well to coat turkey. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on high heat, allowing sauce to thicken and turn glossy. Add 1 tablespoon water if sauce becomes too thick.
05 - Stir in chopped chives, reserving some for garnish. Remove from heat.
06 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and remaining chives. Serve hot over rice with steamed or sautéed vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, with most of the time spent just waiting for the turkey to brown.
  • The sauce clings to every bite without being heavy or overly salty, and you control the heat level completely.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded.
02 -
  • Don't add the sauce until the turkey is fully cooked and browned, or you'll end up steaming the meat instead of getting those flavorful crispy bits.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them, it makes a huge difference in flavor and only takes a moment.
03 -
  • Use a hot skillet and resist the urge to stir constantly, letting the turkey brown in spots before breaking it up completely for better texture and flavor.
  • Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the sweetness or heat to your preference, it's much easier to tweak now than after it's mixed in.
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