Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

A Light and Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Updated May 30, 2025
Prep Time: 2m
Cook Time: 14m
Total Time: 16m
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (1 Review)
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Ingredients

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Nutritional Information

207
calories
5g
fat
12g
carbohydrates
28g
protein
120mg
cholesterol
681mg
sodium
Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

Recipe Description

We firmly believe that being simple and easy does not have to force a recipe to be flavorless or bland. Here, we are going to present a recipe with Korean inspiration, which gives it a selection of rich aromas and flavors, while keeping it possible to be prepared as a weeknight dinner dish.

Typically, this recipe is made with ground beef. However, it is possible to keep it leaner by using chicken or turkey and applying less sugar. Since there are many other ingredients with a strong character, you will notice that the recipe’s overall quality was not compromised at all.

As if those traits were not enough, we are happy to inform you that this recipe is healthier than one could think: one filling serving brings only 207 calories! That means you can truly include it in your weekly cooking routine without spending a lot or getting away from your dietary goals.

When it comes to side dishes, your go-to option is white or brown rice. However, you could opt for cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and zucchini, or go creative and prepare lettuce wraps. In that case, it is important to select firm leaves to make stronger wraps.

Useful tips

  • Ground turkey will make this recipe strong. You could choose chicken instead of turkey. Both options are great when it comes to flavors and nutrition.
  • Boston/Bibb lettuce is perfect in case you prefer to serve this dish as wraps. The leaves have an ideal size and are firm enough to help you build the wraps without falling apart.
  • One serving of 4 ounces brings 28 g of protein, which is great for diets. You may also like to know that it comes at only 4 Weight Watchers points.

To make the Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

Recipe Features

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Steps to make

  1. 1

    Prepare the sauce

    2 min
    Step 1 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    In a bowl, combine ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper and stir to mix. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Brown the ground turkey

    3 min
    Step 2 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    In a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Once hot, add 1 pound ground turkey, stirring to break it up and coat it with the oil. Cook the ground turkey for about 2 minutes, using a spoon to break it into smaller chunks until it starts to brown.

  3. 3

    Add onions

    4 min
    Step 3 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    Add the chopped onion and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through and the onions are softened.

  4. 4

    Add garlic

    1 min
    Step 4 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Add the sauce

    5 min
    Step 5 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    Stir the sauce from step one and pour it into the pan. Stir to coat the meat. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. 6

    Garnish

    1 min
    Step 6 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    Remove from the heat and sprinkle the top with 2 teaspoons sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions.

  7. 7

    Serve

    Step 7 - Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey

    Serve over steamed white rice.

If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal that packs a punch of flavor, this Korean-Inspired Ground Turkey is just what you need. The combination of savory soy sauce and a hint of spice makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag us on social with @CookMeRecipes and use the hashtag #cookmerecipes.

About the author

Arturs Arnicans

Arturs Arnicans is a passionate chef, recipe developer, and culinary expert with a deep love for innovative and flavorful cooking. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has honed his skills in kitchens across Latvia and beyond, blending classic techniques with modern creativity. At Cook.me, Artūrs takes on a dual role—sometimes crafting his own unique recipes and other times serving as an editor, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of taste and quality. Whether developing new flavor combinations or fine-tuning existing recipes, his goal is always to inspire home cooks to create delicious meals with confidence. Outside of Cook.me, Artūrs is a respected name in the culinary world. As the President of Latvia’s Chef Association and a consultant for top restaurants, he continuously pushes the boundaries of modern cuisine while staying true to fresh, high-quality ingredients. From simple home-cooked dishes to gourmet creations, Artūrs believes that food should bring joy and connection to every table. His expertise, creativity, and passion shine through in every recipe he shares.

Recipe Reviews

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★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (1 review)
Athina
May 20, 2025
Verified

So tasty and full of flavor - this dish is now one of my go-to easy dinners!

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