Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but still packed with bold, satisfying flavors that feel special. I love how the sesame oil and chives give it this fresh, nutty aroma that elevates the simple ground turkey into something really delicious.

This recipe works beautifully as a family-friendly dinner or when you want something nourishing but not heavy. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can serve it over rice, mix into noodles, or even use as a filling for lettuce wraps. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful Korean-inspired weeknight hack, this Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe is definitely worth trying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a harmony of textures and flavors, with the chives and sesame adding that signature Korean touch. When shopping, look for fresh chives and good-quality sesame oil for the best taste.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness, but regular works fine for bold flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the turkey—don’t skip this step!
• Brown Sugar: Adds just a little sweetness to balance the salty and spicy notes.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adjust to your heat preference; I usually add a pinch more than the recipe calls for.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil gives a deep nutty aroma—this is a key flavor in Korean cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that pungent kick that complements ginger.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds brightness and a little zing to cut through the richness.
• Ground Turkey: Lean option that cooks quickly and soaks up all the sauce’s flavors.
• Chives: Fresh and mild, they add a lovely light oniony taste and color contrast.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds give a delightful crunch and nutty finish—don’t skimp on these!

Variations

One of the things I love about the Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often play with different veggies or swap out the turkey for other proteins depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood.

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch—my family never complains!
• Protein Swaps: Ground chicken or pork both work well if you want a different flavor profile.
• Mild Version: If spice isn’t your thing, just reduce or omit the chili flakes, and this keeps its deliciousness.
• Make it Vegan: Try crumbled tofu or tempeh with the same sauce for a plant-based twist.

How to Make Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Mixture

Start by mixing soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red chili flakes in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved—make sure there are no lumps. I discovered that taking a minute here to get it smooth makes a big difference; it thickens beautifully rather than clumping unpredictably when cooked.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Turkey

Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Give it a minute or two until you can smell those amazing aromas—don’t let them brown or burn, just fragrant. Next, add your ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it’s no longer pink and starting to brown in places, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor you’ll love.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Chives

Pour in that soy sauce mixture and crank the heat slightly to high. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a nice golden color. If it looks too thick or starts sticking, splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Finish by folding in most of the chopped chives but save some for garnish. Then turn off the heat—you want those chives to stay fresh and vibrant without getting mushy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously on top, along with the reserved chives. Serve immediately with hot steamed rice and your favorite veggies on the side. Trust me, the moment you get that first bite with all the combined flavors and textures, you’ll understand why this has become a go-to dinner at my house.

How to Serve Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with extra toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped chives for color and texture. Sometimes I add thinly sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra sesame oil if I’m feeling indulgent. These little touches make it feel extra homemade and punch up the flavor even more.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this is with steamed white or brown rice and simple stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, spinach, or snap peas. It’s also great alongside kimchi for a bit of traditional Korean flair. The freshness of the sides balances the rich, umami-packed ground turkey beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve used this Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe as a filling for lettuce wraps with crunchy cucumbers and shredded carrots. Perfect for sharing at casual dinners or potlucks! Sometimes I also spoon it over quinoa or noodles with a soft boiled egg on top for a flavorful bowl meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day! Just make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep the texture right.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I let it cool fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it stays great for about 2 months. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and avoid drying out when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sesame oil to keep it moist. Using the stovetop preserves the texture better than the microwave. I also like to freshen it up by adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or a drizzle of soy sauce as it warms.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Korean-Style Ground Turkey with Chives and Sesame Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite quick dinners to whip up. It strikes the perfect balance of being flavorful, healthy, and comforting without wasting time. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying and straightforward as I do—trust me, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation.

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