Looking for a weeknight dinner that hits every craving—savory, sweet, nutty, and just a touch spicy? This Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds is an absolute knockout! I come back to this recipe again and again whenever I want something fast, healthy, and truly packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Flavor Bomb: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar create deep, crave-worthy umami in just minutes.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: The entire Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds recipe comes together so quickly, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile & Customizable: Gently spicy, adjustable, and endlessly adaptable—use any veggies or grains you love!
- Family-Friendly and Nutritious: Protein-packed with lean turkey and sneaky hits of fresh chives for a dinner everyone feels good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds packs a punch using mainly pantry classics. Each ingredient plays a distinct role—balancing savory with sweet, heat with freshness, and crunch with silkiness!
- Soy Sauce: The heart of the sauce, bringing salty depth and classic Korean flair.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings lovingly to every morsel of turkey.
- Brown Sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance the salt and spice—don’t skip it!
- Red Chili Flakes: Add warmth and gentle heat; adjust to match your spice preference.
- Sesame Oil: Rich, toasty aroma—absolutely essential for that iconic Korean finish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with punchy, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Brightens everything with zesty, peppery notes.
- Ground Turkey: Lean, fast-cooking, and perfect for soaking up the sauce—an excellent protein choice.
- Chives: Pops of fresh, subtle onion flavor and a splash of vibrant green color.
- Sesame Seeds: Nutty crunch and an authentic garnish that makes this dish shine.
Variations
The beauty of Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds is how effortlessly you can adjust it—so have fun and make this meal your own! Try these simple tweaks to match what’s in your fridge, your dietary needs, or your mood.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap in crumbled firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-powered take that soaks up the bold sauce beautifully.
- Extra Veggie Power: Toss in finely chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach for more color and crunch.
- Bolder Heat: Add a drizzle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or use more chili flakes if you like things fiery.
- Rice Replacements: Serve over cauliflower rice, soba noodles, or cucumber ribbons for a low-carb or gluten-free twist.
How to Make Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds
Step 1: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until the cornstarch dissolves and everything looks glossy and smooth—this will give your ground turkey that luscious, shiny coating and bring all the magic together.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Brown the Turkey
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in the sesame oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for just a minute—when your kitchen smells irresistible, you know it’s time. Crumble in the ground turkey and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces as it cooks. Sauté until the turkey loses its raw pinkness and is mostly cooked through.
Step 3: Add Sauce & Finish with Chives
Pour your prepared soy sauce mixture over the turkey, keeping your skillet at high heat. Stir constantly—the sauce will bubble, thicken, and turn gorgeously glossy in just about 2 minutes. Add almost all the chopped chives (keep a little for topping!) and turn off the heat. If the sauce is a little too thick, just splash in a tablespoon of water.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Transfer your Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds to a serving dish or plate over steaming rice. Shower generously with sesame seeds and the reserved chives for bursts of color and nutty crunch. Serve immediately and savor every single bite!
Pro Tips for Making Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds
- Sauce Consistency Control: If you like a little extra sauce to soak into your rice, add a splash of water right before serving—cornstarch will keep it thick and glossy, never runny.
- The Secret to Fragrant Turkey: Always let your garlic and ginger sizzle in the sesame oil first—this step infuses both your turkey and the oil itself with layered flavor.
- Even Browning: Use a wide skillet rather than a crowded pan; more space means more delicious caramelization on your turkey crumbles.
- Gorgeous Garnish Game: Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two before sprinkling—this trick makes their nutty flavor really pop!
How to Serve Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds
Garnishes
Garnishes take this dish from everyday to extraordinary in seconds. Extra chives add a burst of green color and fresh bite, while a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings unbeatable crunch and nutty aroma. For a little heat, try a quick shake of additional chili flakes or a few thin slices of red chili—so pretty and just spicy enough!
Side Dishes
Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds is absolutely dreamy served over pillowy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even quinoa. Classic Korean banchan (side dishes) like quick pickled cucumbers, kimchi, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad will round out your meal perfectly. Don’t forget some roasted or steamed broccoli—its mild bitterness balances all the sweet-salty flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce wraps for a build-your-own dinner, or tuck it into rice bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg and vibrant veggies. You can even pile the mixture over toasted bread or inside a warm pita for a delicious fusion sandwich. Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds is as fun to serve as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds stores beautifully. Simply let it cool, then place in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick meal-prep bowls!
Freezing
This recipe is a freezer superstar. Portion cooled turkey into freezer-safe zip-top bags (press flat for easy stacking) or sturdy containers. It will keep its flavor and texture in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If it looks a touch dry, add a tiny splash of water or soy sauce as it heats. You can also microwave it in one-minute bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and ground beef work well in this recipe. The flavors in the sauce are versatile enough to complement either, though ground beef will add a slightly richer taste, while chicken keeps things nice and lean.
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Is Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds very spicy?
It’s gently spicy as written, but the level of heat is totally customizable. You can add more chili flakes for a kick, use less for mild eaters, or swap for a drizzle of gochujang if you’d like a touch of smokier heat.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
For a gluten-free Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds, be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari). Check labels on other ingredients as needed, but everything else is naturally gluten-free!
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Can I meal prep this recipe, and how should I store portions?
Yes, this is a meal-prep champion! Cook as directed, portion with rice and veggies into separate containers, and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches or dinners all week. Just keep garnishes separate for best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving big, bold flavors with minimal effort, give Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Sesame Seeds a try—it just might become your new secret weapon for quick, knockout dinners. I can’t wait for you to experience how satisfying, savory, and easy this dish is. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
Print
Korean-Style Ground Turkey Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
A flavorful Korean-style ground turkey recipe that is quick and easy to make. The dish is packed with savory and slightly spicy flavors, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, or to taste
For the turkey:
- 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
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Mix until cornstarch is dissolved, then set aside.
- Cook the turkey: Drizzle a large skillet with sesame oil, add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until it loses its raw red color. Stir in the soy sauce mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant. Add chives, then remove from heat.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped chives. Serve the turkey over rice and vegetables.
Notes
- Perfect to serve with plain white or brown rice and vegetables.
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