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Spicy Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe

Spicy Korean-Style Ground Turkey Recipe
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Spicy Korean-Style Ground Turkey combines lean ground turkey with bold, sweet, and spicy Korean flavors using gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for busy weeknights, served over rice or wrapped in lettuce, and easily customizable for varying spice levels and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground turkey (lean)

Sauces & Condiments

  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Optional Seasonings & Garnish

  • Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Measure out gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or honey ahead of time. Organizing all ingredients near your stove will help the cooking process flow smoothly.
  2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned evenly and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the turkey and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the turkey evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Final Touches and Garnish: Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Taste and adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat and prepare to serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor — avoid powders.
  • Balancing the sauce ingredients—gochujang, soy sauce, and sweetness—is key for authentic Korean flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the turkey browns properly instead of steaming.
  • Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before garnishing to deepen their nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy ground turkey, Korean recipe, gochujang, quick dinner, healthy ground turkey, Korean cooking, weeknight meal, gluten free Korean

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/spicy-korean-style-ground-turkey-recipe/