Korean Style Ground Turkey (Print Version)

Quick and flavorful ground turkey with Korean-inspired spicy-sweet glaze, aromatic garlic, ginger, and nutty sesame seeds.

# 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

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 Suggestions

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

# How to Make:

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 approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook while breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Pour prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat turkey. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on high heat, allowing sauce to thicken and become glossy. If sauce thickens excessively, add 1 tablespoon water.
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 vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce goes from mixed to glossy in under three minutes, coating every bit of turkey like a savory glaze you'd pay extra for at a restaurant.
  • It uses one pan and feeds four people in the time it takes to stream two episodes of anything, which means less cleanup and more couch time.
  • The chili flakes give just enough kick to make your lips tingle without making you reach for milk, and you control exactly how brave you want to be.
02 -
  • If you add the sauce while the heat is too low, it won't thicken properly and you'll end up with soupy turkey instead of glazed perfection.
  • Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before adding them makes them ten times nuttier and crunchier, and it's worth the extra step.
  • Don't skip grating fresh ginger, the jarred stuff tastes flat and won't give you that bright, zingy punch you're looking for.
03 -
  • Use a hot skillet and don't overcrowd the turkey so it browns instead of steams, giving you those little crispy edges that add texture.
  • Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the sugar or chili flakes, because once it's in, you can't take it back.
  • Keep a small dish of toasted sesame seeds in your pantry, they transform any weeknight meal into something that looks and tastes intentional.
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