Are you looking to add some excitement to your meal routine? Look no further than the bold flavors of Korea! Ground turkey, a lean and versatile protein, is the perfect canvas for the spicy, sweet, and savory flavors of Korean cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering Korean ground turkey recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic dishes like bibimbap and kimchi fried rice, to modern twists like BBQ tacos and gochujang glazed meatballs, there’s something for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and explore the rich flavors of Korea.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into each recipe, including step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and mouthwatering photos. So, grab your apron and let’s start cooking!
Spicy Korean Ground Turkey Bibimbap
This recipe combines the flavors of Korea with a twist on the classic bibimbap dish, using ground turkey instead of beef. The spicy kick from gochujang and kimchi adds depth to this nutritious and filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted toppings: bean sprouts, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, pickled ginger
Instructions:
1. Cook ground turkey in a pan with vegetable oil until browned, breaking up into small pieces.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, and kimchi.
4. Combine cooked rice and water; heat through.
5. Assemble bibimbap by placing a scoop of rice mixture onto a plate, followed by the ground turkey mixture and assorted toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this easy-to-make and refreshing twist on traditional lettuce wraps. Juicy ground turkey, crispy kimchi, and creamy Gochujang sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tbsp Gochujang sauce
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey, garlic, kimchi, Gochujang sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5-6 minutes).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble lettuce wraps by placing 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto each leaf.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Korean Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Korea with the comfort of a hearty ground turkey stir-fry, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The sweet and spicy sauce brings together the savory and sweet notes, while the crispy vegetables add texture to this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and 1 tbsp water.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet with the cooked turkey and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sweet and spicy sauce and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Kimchi Fried Rice
This recipe combines the spicy kick of kimchi with the comfort of fried rice, all wrapped up in a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked ground turkey
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped kimchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Push the kimchi aside, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
5. Add the cooked ground turkey and stir to combine with the kimchi mixture.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and Gochujang; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry until combined with the turkey-kimchi mixture.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Bulgogi Bowls
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this easy-to-make recipe, featuring ground turkey cooked in a sweet and savory bulgogi sauce. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to the turkey mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve the bulgogi-ground turkey mixture over cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Japchae Noodles
This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground turkey with the sweet and spicy notes of japchae noodles, a popular Korean dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup japchae noodles (dried glass noodles)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the japchae noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned.
4. Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, and Gochujang. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Tteokbokki
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this twist on the classic street food, Tteokbokki! This spicy and savory dish is made with ground turkey instead of traditional pork or fish cakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup Korean rice cakes (tteok), cut into bite-sized pieces
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey in a large pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger to the pan and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the water and rice cakes to the pan and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice cakes are coated in the spicy sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Mandu Dumplings
Savor the flavors of Korea with these juicy ground turkey mandu dumplings, perfect as an appetizer or main course. This recipe combines the richness of ground turkey with the savory notes of Korean chili flakes and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, cilantro, garlic, Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until just combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in a little water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
4. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Cook mandu dumplings by steaming for 10-12 minutes or pan-frying in hot oil until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Gimbap Rolls
Discover the flavors of Korea with these savory gimbap rolls filled with spicy ground turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of sesame oil. Perfect as a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 8-10 gimbap sheets (Korean rice paper)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Gochujang, garlic, green onions, carrots, cucumber, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
3. Lay a gimbap sheet flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of the sheet.
4. Fold the bottom half of the sheet up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a neat cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the gimbap is crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Kimchi Stew
This spicy and savory stew combines the bold flavors of Korean kimchi with the comfort of ground turkey, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With its rich umami taste and crunchy texture from the kimchi, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups kimchi (homemade or store-bought), chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the turkey is browned, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add the kimchi, chicken broth, soy sauce, Gochujang, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey BBQ Tacos
Experience the bold flavors of Korea in a taco shell with this unique fusion dish. Sweet and spicy Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) add depth to tender ground turkey, while crunchy kimchi slaw adds a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, gochujang, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Mix well.
2. Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by spooning the ground turkey mixture onto a warmed tortilla, topping with kimchi slaw, green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your stuffed pepper game with this flavorful Korean-inspired recipe that combines juicy ground turkey, savory Gochujang sauce, and crunchy kimchi. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup chopped kimchi
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Gochujang, kimchi, onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture, filling them as full as possible.
4. Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
A flavorful twist on traditional zucchini boats, this recipe combines the savory taste of Korean chili flakes with the freshness of zucchini and the comfort of ground turkey. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the turkey mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the zucchinis are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional hash, this Korean-inspired recipe combines ground turkey with sweet potatoes, crispy kimchi, and a hint of Gochujang. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp Gochujang
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, soy sauce, Gochujang, and sesame oil. Mix well.
3. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the chopped kimchi and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside with the sweet potatoes.
5. Form the turkey mixture into small patties. Cook in the pan over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve the turkey patties on top of the sweet potato and kimchi hash. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Eggplant Stir-Fry
This Korean-inspired stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional eggplant dishes, featuring the savory combination of ground turkey, tender eggplant, and spicy gochujang.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Ssamjang Lettuce Cups
Experience the vibrant flavors of Korea with this refreshing twist on traditional lettuce wraps. Crisp lettuce cups are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, sweet and spicy ssamjang sauce, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup shredded carrots
– 2 heads of lettuce, leaves separated
– Sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Add to the cooked turkey and stir to combine.
3. Stir in chopped green onions and shredded carrots.
4. Assemble lettuce cups by spooning the turkey mixture onto a leaf of lettuce.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Rice Cake Skewers
Experience the fusion of Korean flavors with these savory and sweet rice cake skewers, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Korean-style rice (e.g., Garaetteok)
– 1/2 cup ground turkey
– 1/4 cup chopped kimchi (spicy Korean fermented cabbage)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, ground turkey, kimchi, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger until well combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 10-12 portions, depending on desired skewer size.
4. Shape each portion into a small patty, then thread onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space at the top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Korean-inspired Ground Turkey Rice Cake Skewers!
Korean Ground Turkey Glass Noodle Salad
This refreshing salad combines the savory flavors of ground turkey, glass noodles, and Korean chili flakes with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups glass noodles
– 1 cup chopped cucumber
– 1 cup chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chili flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the turkey mixture. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine cooked noodles, turkey mixture, cucumber, carrots, and green onions in a large bowl.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Gochujang Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful and spicy twist on traditional meatballs. A combination of ground turkey, gochujang, and Korean chili flakes creates a bold and savory flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, gochujang, Gochugaru, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing gochujang and soy sauce in a small bowl.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Korean Ground Turkey Kimchi Pancakes
These crispy kimchi pancakes infused with ground turkey and spices will delight your taste buds. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine the bold flavors of kimchi with the savory richness of turkey.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, kimchi, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the egg and mix until just combined.
3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the mixture into the oil (about 1/4 cup each).
5. Flatten slightly with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until edges start to curl and surfaces are golden brown.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch (depending on the number of pancakes).
Summary
Discover the bold flavors of Korea with these 20 mouth-watering ground turkey recipes! From spicy stir-fries to savory dumplings, and from tacos to bowls, there’s something for every occasion. Try Spicy Korean Ground Turkey Bibimbap, Sweet and Spicy Korean Ground Turkey Stir-Fry, or Korean Ground Turkey Bulgogi Bowls. Or get creative with Korean Ground Turkey Japchae Noodles, Kimchi Fried Rice, or Gimbap Rolls. Whatever your taste buds crave, these recipes will transport you to the heart of Korean cuisine. Get cooking and experience the flavors of Korea!
