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Classic Korean Ground Turkey

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This Classic Korean Ground Turkey is bold, savory, slightly sweet, and has a gentle kick of heat, all cooked in one pan for a quick meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to loosen sauce as needed)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional add-ins: 1 small carrot (matchsticks), 1 small bell pepper (thinly sliced), or a handful of baby spinach
  • To serve: steamed rice or lettuce leaves; kimchi on the side

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add 2 tablespoons water to loosen. Set aside.
  2. Prep the aromatics. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Slice the green onions.
  3. Heat the pan. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add neutral oil.
  4. Sauté. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Sauce and simmer. Pour in the sauce. Stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thick. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
  7. Finish and serve. Stir in most of the green onions and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or heat. Serve over rice or in lettuce cups. Top with extra green onions and sesame.

Notes

Use medium-high heat to brown the turkey for better flavor. Do not skip the simmer; it helps the sauce cling to the meat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://diymealprep.com/classic-korean-ground-turkey/