Dinner

Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe

Name: Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (packed); 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste); 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 15 oz / 450g ground turkey; 6 tbsp chives (chopped); 2 tbsp sesame seeds

BySimon Carel December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

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Introduction

This Korean-style ground turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a savory soy-based sauce and a hint of spice, it pairs wonderfully with rice and veggies for a satisfying meal.

A bowl with white rice as the first layer, fluffy and spread evenly. On top is a thick layer of glazed, dark brown cooked meat pieces covered in a shiny sauce. The meat is sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is white with a light blue inside and sits on a folded blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
15 oz / 450g ground turkey
6 tbsp chives (chopped)
2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set the mixture aside.
Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until the turkey loses its raw pink color.
Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce mixture and cook over high heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns a golden brown. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to loosen it.
Step 5: Stir in chopped chives, reserving a small amount for garnish, then turn off the heat.
Step 6: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and garnish with the remaining chopped chives. Serve hot with rice and vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
Garnish with sliced green onions for an added fresh bite.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water while reheating can help maintain the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

A bowl with white rice at the bottom layer showing soft, fluffy grains, topped with a rich, dark brown sauce covering small pieces of meat that have a glossy and slightly sticky texture, garnished with fresh, bright green chopped scallions and sprinkled black sesame seeds. The bowl is white and rests on a blue cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. A spoon is placed on the right side inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.

Is this dish spicy?

The red chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste or omit them for a milder version.