Tuesday night in my small LA apartment kitchen often calls for something quick to pull together after work. This honey garlic ground turkey recipe has become a regular in my rotation for that reason. It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a reliable option when time is short.
It’s a straightforward dish, focusing on ground turkey coated in a sweet and savory sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the amount of flavor it delivers. I often serve it with rice and some steamed broccoli, which rounds it out into a complete meal. For anyone looking for an efficient way to get a protein-rich dinner on the table during a busy week, this one fits the bill.
Proteins
One pound of ground turkey forms the base of this recipe. You could also use ground chicken or even ground pork if that’s what you have.
Pantry Staples
For the sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. I typically use Kikkoman soy sauce. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a little warmth.
Fresh Aromatics
Garlic and fresh ginger are essential here. Take the time to mince the garlic and grate the ginger; it makes a difference.
Accompaniments and Garnish
Serve this over cooked rice, with steamed broccoli on the side. A sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes it off.
Prepare the turkey
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any fat from the pan. I find my GE electric range works well for this.
Whisk the sauce
While the turkey cooks, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully incorporated.
Combine and simmer
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked turkey in the skillet. Stir everything to make sure the turkey is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the turkey. I’ve found that sometimes the sauce can reduce a bit too much if left unattended, so keep an eye on it.
Serve immediately
Once the sauce has thickened, serve the honey garlic ground turkey over cooked rice. Add steamed broccoli on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds before bringing it to the table.
Notes From My Kitchen
Nonna Rosa always said a good meal starts with good ingredients, and that applies here. Using fresh garlic and ginger really elevates the sauce beyond just sweet and savory. I usually mince the garlic myself instead of using pre-minced; the flavor is more distinct.
For the ground turkey, I try to get the 93/7 blend. It has enough fat to brown nicely without being overly greasy. If you end up with a lot of rendered fat, definitely drain it before adding the sauce. Otherwise, the sauce won’t coat the meat as well.
Sometimes I’ll add a handful of chopped green onions right at the end, just before serving. They add a fresh, mild onion note that complements the sauce. This dish is usually served with rice and broccoli, but it also works well over quinoa or even with some quick-sautéed bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Variations
If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, this recipe works just as well with ground chicken or even finely diced firm tofu for a vegetarian option. For extra vegetables, especially during summer when produce is abundant at the Silver Lake farmers market, I sometimes stir in frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
To increase the heat, you can double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the sesame oil for chili oil if you prefer a spicier kick. You could also add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a richer, nuttier taste.
Storage
Leftover honey garlic ground turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat. If reheating in a skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen the sauce slightly. The texture holds up well, though the rice can get a little dry if not stored properly.
FAQ
Can I use different ground meat?
Yes, ground chicken or ground pork are good substitutes for the turkey. The cooking times will be similar, and the sauce will still coat them nicely. Beef would also work, but the flavor profile might be a bit heavier.
How to make the sauce spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more red pepper flakes than the recipe calls for. Another option is to stir in a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce with the rest of the liquid ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this honey garlic ground turkey recipe, when divided into four portions, is estimated to contain approximately 450 calories. These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, particularly the sodium content in soy sauce and the fat content of the ground turkey. The type of rice and whether you use all the sauce can also influence the final nutritional breakdown. For precise dietary planning, consulting a registered dietitian or using a comprehensive nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients is always recommended. For more recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest.
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Honey Garlic Ground Turkey (25 Minutes)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and easy weeknight meal featuring ground turkey coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with rice and broccoli.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- While the turkey cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked turkey in the skillet. Stir to coat the turkey evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the turkey.
- Serve the honey garlic ground turkey immediately over cooked rice and with steamed broccoli on the side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground chicken or pork for ground turkey.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
