Description

Some recipes just feel like a hug in a bowl — this Korean-Style Ground Turkey Bowl is exactly that. It’s one of those dishes that blends comfort and flavor in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe during a chilly weeknight when all I had was ground turkey and a craving for something cozy yet bold. After a little experimenting and a lot of happy taste tests, this version was born — a savory, slightly sweet, and delightfully garlicky bowl that never disappoints.

This dish draws inspiration from classic Korean flavors — the depth of soy sauce, the slight heat of red pepper flakes, and the perfect balance of sweetness. While it’s not a traditional Korean dish per se, it’s a quick and easy fusion-style meal that captures the essence of Korean home-cooking: bold, satisfying, and designed to be enjoyed with a bowl of steaming rice.

It’s become a weeknight staple in our home. Not only is it fast (hello, 20-minute dinner!), but it’s also flexible. You can pile it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with roasted veggies — it’s one of those dishes that just works no matter how you serve it.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup liced green onions (plus extra for garnish)

Cooked white rice (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering and fragrant (that nutty aroma is a sign you’re on the right track!), add your ground turkey. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. You want it to be crumbly, golden, and just starting to get those little crispy bits.

Step 2: Add Flavor
Now for the magic: stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. As soon as those ingredients hit the heat, the sauce thickens slightly and wraps itself around the turkey like a glaze. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes so the flavors really settle in.

Step 3: Stir in Green Onions
Turn off the heat and mix in the sliced green onions. They add a lovely fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes the whole dish come alive.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the savory ground turkey over a bed of hot rice, garnish with a few extra green onions, and dig in. If you’ve got toasted sesame seeds on hand, sprinkle a few on top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For a low-carb version, swap the rice with cauliflower rice or serve it in lettuce wraps.
Feel free to double the sauce if you like it extra saucy.
If you prep your rice ahead of time, this becomes a true 15-minute meal!