Are you tired of the same old boring recipes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious and spicy Korean-inspired ground turkey recipe ideas that will spice up your mealtime routine. From classic dishes like bibimbap to innovative twists on tacos and stir-fries, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends.
One of the best things about Korean cuisine is its bold use of spices and flavors, which can easily be adapted to ground turkey for a unique twist. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and hearty or light and refreshing, we’ve got you covered with these mouth-watering recipes that blend the richness of Korean flavors with the ease of using ground turkey.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 18 recipe ideas, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your dishes turn out perfectly. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Korean Ground Turkey Bibimbap
This recipe brings together the flavors of Korea with a twist on traditional bibimbap, substituting ground turkey for beef and adding fresh vegetables. A nutritious and flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup cooked white rice
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey in a pan with Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables and cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make a well in the center of each bowl and add the turkey mixture.
5. Crack an egg into each bowl and cook until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kimchi and Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
Get ready for a bold and flavorful stir-fry that combines the spicy kick of kimchi with the richness of ground turkey. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kimchi (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Gochujang Turkey Lettuce Wraps
This recipe combines the bold flavors of gochujang, a Korean chili paste, with tender turkey and crunchy lettuce for a unique and delicious wrap.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp gochujang
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 8-10 large lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine turkey, gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
2. Form into small patties.
3. Grill or cook the turkey patties according to your preference. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
5. Assemble the wraps by placing a cooked turkey patty onto each lettuce leaf, followed by a sprinkle of green onions and crispy fried shallots (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls
This recipe combines flavorful ground turkey with a kick of heat from Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) and serves it over a bed of fluffy white rice. The result is a savory, slightly spicy meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add gochugaru, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the turkey; stir to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve the turkey mixture over cooked white rice.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean-Inspired Turkey Bulgogi Tacos
Discover the bold flavors of Korea in this unique taco recipe, where tender turkey is marinated in a sweet and savory bulgogi sauce, served with crispy taco shells and fresh kimchi slaw.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Sliced green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Add the ground turkey and mix until just combined.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey mixture in batches, breaking it up with a spatula, until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning the turkey bulgogi onto a warmed tortilla, topping with kimchi slaw, and garnishing with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ground Turkey Japchae with Sweet Potato Noodles
A twist on the classic Korean dish, this recipe combines ground turkey with sweet potato noodles and a sweet soy sauce-based sauce for a deliciously unique meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and spiralized into noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook sweet potato noodles according to package instructions or cook in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high. Add turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with spatula as needed.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Serve turkey mixture over sweet potato noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean BBQ Turkey Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of Korean BBQ with the convenience of stuffed peppers. Sweet and spicy, these colorful bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, rice, and kimchi.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions, toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked rice, kimchi, Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ground Turkey and Tofu Dumplings
This recipe combines the flavors of ground turkey and tofu to create a savory and satisfying dumpling dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, crumbled
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups water
– Dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, tofu, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Add the paste to the turkey mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spoon, drop small balls of the turkey mixture into the boiling water, about 1/4 cup each.
5. Cook dumplings for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (optional).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean-Inspired Turkey Meatballs with Spicy Glaze
Korean-Inspired Turkey Meatballs with Spicy Glaze: A flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, this recipe combines the savory taste of turkey with the bold flavors of Korean chili flakes and soy sauce, finished with a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Spicy Glaze: 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, kimchi, garlic, Gochujang, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix until just combined.
4. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the Spicy Glaze by whisking together gochugaru, honey, and soy sauce.
7. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with Spicy Glaze.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Turkey and Vegetable Mandu (Dumplings)
Experience the comforting warmth of Korean-style dumplings with this recipe that combines tender turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of spice. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mandu wrappers (about 20-25 wrappers)
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/2 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped cabbage, diced carrots, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a mandu wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the turkey mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle or square shape, sealing the edges by pressing with your fingers or using a fork to crimp.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Cook dumplings by steaming for 10-12 minutes or pan-frying with oil until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Korean Ground Turkey Fried Rice
This recipe combines the flavors of Korea with the comfort of a classic fried rice dish. With ground turkey and kimchi, this quick and easy meal is perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked ground turkey
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey; cook until browned, breaking apart with spoon as needed.
4. Stir in Gochujang and soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked rice; stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until combined and heated through.
6. Fold in chopped kimchi.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
Spicy Ground Turkey and Glass Noodle Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the juiciness of ground turkey with the crunch of glass noodles, all wrapped up in a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1 cup glass noodles
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the cooked glass noodles to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean-Inspired Turkey and Eggplant Stir-Fry
This vibrant stir-fry combines the savory flavors of Korea with the comforting familiarity of turkey and eggplant. A perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, cook the turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the eggplant slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until tender and lightly charred.
3. Stir in garlic, Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ground Turkey Kimchi Jjigae (Stew)
This spicy and savory Korean-inspired stew combines ground turkey with the bold flavors of kimchi, a traditional fermented Korean condiment. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pan or wok, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chopped kimchi, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Gochujang. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have deepened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Scallion Pancakes (Pajeon)
Experience the delightful fusion of Korean and Western flavors with these savory pancakes, packed with juicy turkey and crunchy scallions. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup diced turkey breast
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green and white parts)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
3. Add diced turkey, scallions, and vegetable oil to the batter. Mix well.
4. Beat in eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Brush with a small amount of oil.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until edges start to set.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch (makes about 6-8 pancakes)
Korean-Inspired Turkey and Zucchini Stir-Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this quick and delicious stir-fry, featuring juicy turkey and tender zucchini. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the zucchinis, garlic, Gochujang, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender-crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gochujang Glazed Turkey Sliders
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with these juicy turkey sliders smothered in a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 8 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw and pickled carrots for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix turkey, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, garlic, gochujang, honey, and sesame oil until just combined.
3. Form into 8 patties.
4. Grill turkey sliders for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. While still warm, brush with gochujang glaze (1:1 gochujang to honey mixture).
6. Assemble sliders on buns and top with coleslaw and pickled carrots if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ground Turkey and Bean Sprout Banchan
This hearty banchan (Korean side dish) combines the savory flavor of ground turkey with the crunch and nuttiness of bean sprouts, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Korean dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the bean sprouts, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sugar to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender-crisp.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot alongside your favorite Korean dishes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering Korean-inspired ground turkey recipe ideas! From classic dishes like bibimbap and stir-fries to creative twists on tacos, dumplings, and sliders, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to add a kick of gochujang to your meals, or try new ingredients like sweet potato noodles and bean sprouts. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
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