Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe

Who knew that a cozy evening with just a pound of ground turkey and a few pantry staples could turn into a flavor-packed adventure that tastes like a warm embrace from your favorite takeout spot? Let’s dive into this delicious blend of savory and spicy that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen!

I love how Simplified Asian Turkey blends the rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce with the aromatics of minced ginger and garlic. The hoisin sauce adds depth; the honey, balance.

Served over jasmine rice, this dish is as uncomplicated and healthful as it is delicious. In fact, the only thing I might modify if I made it again would be to chop the turkey more finely.

I used a food processor, but the recipe says to do so by hand.

Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source; low in fat and calories.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty flavor; contains healthy fats.
• Soy Sauce: Offers umami flavor; high in sodium.
• Ginger: Supports digestion; provides spicy warmth.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants; enhances savory taste.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; adds slight caramel flavor.
• Sriracha: Adds heat; spicy kick for those who love it.
• Green Onions: Fresh, pungent flavor; source of vitamins.
• Cilantro: Fresh, citrusy taste; adds brightness.

Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Jasmine or white rice, for serving

How to Make this Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.

2. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until they are fragrant.

3. Place the ground turkey into the skillet and cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. In a tiny bowl, beat together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and sriracha (if using).

5. Over the cooked turkey, pour the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.

6. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be slightly thicker when you are done.

7. Incorporate the last tablespoon of sesame oil by stirring.

8. Fold in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, leaving a bit for garnish if desired.

9. Add salt and pepper to taste, making adjustments as necessary to achieve the desired level of seasoning.

10. Present the turkey mixture on a mattress of jasmine or white rice. Top it with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and cilantro.

Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Spatula
3. Measuring tablespoons
4. Measuring cup
5. Small bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or whisk (for mixing sauce)
9. Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
10. Serving plate or bowl

FAQ

• Can I use another type of ground meat instead of turkey?Certainly, you can use ground chicken or pork in place of ground turkey. Both have similar flavor profiles.
• Is there a substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten intolerant?Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free stand-ins for soy sauce.
• What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?Mix together soy sauce and a bit of sugar or honey and you will get a sweet and salty blend that is reminiscent of hoisin sauce. It is a good stand-in for the real thing.
• How can I make the dish spicier?To amp up the heat level, add more sriracha or some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Certainly, the turkey mixture can be made in advance and simply reheated at serving time. However, any fresh garnishes should be added just before serving; they are not suitable for make-ahead.
• What sides pair well with this dish?Vegetables that are steamed, such as broccoli or bok choy, or an uncomplicated salad go very nicely with the flavors.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten food in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than three days after the food was first served.

Easy Asian Style Turkey Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or pork.
Vegetable oil can be used instead of sesame oil, but be aware that this substitution will yield a flavor that is not as nutty.
Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, and coconut aminos can be used for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with any of the following:

– Oyster sauce
– Soy sauce and sugar (mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness).

Be mindful, the next best sauce to hoisin is probably oyster sauce, then soy sauce and sugar.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: For an added burst of freshness, garnish your dish with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.