Asian Ground Turkey Recipe (Gluten Free)

This Asian Ground Turkey Recipe is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something fast and satisfying. I love that it’s gluten free, one pan, and makes almost no mess! IYKYK! I definitely don’t have time for loads of dishes as a first time mom. Even better, it’s on the table in 30 minutes (or less, if you take a few shortcuts, like using a store-bought sauce). It’s one of those meals that’s so easy to pull together but still feels like you’re having takeout at home. Guys, the sauce is balanced and 100% addictive. Think sweet and spicy ground turkey with a hint of hoisin sauce richness.

I also love how flexible it is. If you don’t have turkey, the recipe works just as well with ground chicken or ground beef. To save even more time, consider using microwave rice, frozen rice or leftover rice instead of cooking fresh, and go for a Korean or Japanese BBQ sauce from the store rather than making your own. I find that simple swaps like these keep weeknight cooking quick without losing that cozy, homemade flavor. It’s an easy recipe that’s also great for meal prep. Plus, the flavors just get even better the next day.

If you loved this korean ground turkey recipe, you’ve got to try my Salmon Wrap, this Salmon Poke Bowl or my Gluten Free General Tso’s Chicken. Here’s a bunch of Gluten Free Dinner Recipes for you to try!

Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe

It’s a quick recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes; perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

This Asian Ground Turkey Recipe uses lean ground turkey for a lighter take while still being super flavorful.

A versatile Asian recipe that works as an easy ground turkey stir fry or served as Asian ground turkey and rice bowls.

The sweet-and-savory sauce, made with gluten free soy sauce and a touch of ginger, gives it that Korean-inspired ground turkey vibe. Yum!

This Korean ground turkey recipe pairs perfectly with rice bowls, but you can go low-carb by swapping in brown rice, cauliflower rice or turning it into ground turkey lettuce wraps.

Nothing beats a true one pan meal! which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.

It’s seriously flexible. I can pretty much always find extra veggies to toss in like green beans, peas, peppers or onions, to make it a hearty ground turkey with vegetables dish.

Ingredients and substitutions

Hot sauce: You can make this as spicy or as mild as you like. Sriracha, gochujang or chili garlic sauce all work well.

Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be swapped in. Adding honey or maple syrup helps balance the spicy and savory flavors.

Gluten free soy sauce, coconut aminos or tamari: Adds deep umami and saltiness. Use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy free option, or tamari for a rich, gluten free alternative.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the turkey and veggies. You can try arrow root powder for a grain free thickener.

Shallot: Use leeks or onions instead. Both work well.

Garlic: Use fresh garlic instead of powdered in this Asian Ground Turkey Recipe.

Ground turkey: I love how this lean protein soaks up the bold, sweet and spicy sauce. Ground chicken or pork are great alternatives to turkey.

Rice: You can use jasmine or basmati rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Eggplant: You could also use zucchini or bell peppers in your

Olive oil: Avocado oil or sesame oil can also be used if you like those flavors.

Spicy mayo: You could use a homemade sauce or store-bought sauce. For homemade, just mix a little mayo and sriracha together.

Green onions: Totally optional, but I love these as a fresh garnish.

Directions (step by step)

Make the sauce: Whisk hot sauce, honey, soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl.

Cook the eggplant: Saute your eggplant in olive oil until browned and then set it aside.

Saute the aromatics: Cook the shallots and garlic in olive oil until soft.

Cook the turkey: Add in the turkey, break it apart and cook it until it’s no longer pink.

Crisp turkey: Stir in a little sauce, press the turkey flat and sear it on high until browned and sticky. Mix in the eggplant.

Thicken sauce: Simmer the remaining sauce in a small pan until it has thickened.

Assemble the Asian Ground Turkey Recipe in bowls: Layer rice, turkey-eggplant mix, thickened sauce and spicy mayo.

Finish and enjoy: Top it with green onions and serve it hot.

Expert tips and tricks

Dice the eggplant into small pieces so it cooks faster and blends into the turkey. This is a huge time-saver, honestly.

For extra crisp turkey, don’t stir too soon. You want to let it sear and get a delicious crust on your Asian Ground Turkey Recipe.

Taste the sauce before adding all of it, so you can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce.

Storage and meal prepping 

Store leftover Asian Ground Turkey Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Cook the rice ahead of time and portion it into containers for quick meal prep.

Variations

Ok, so I love this Asian Ground Turkey Recipe as is, but here are a couple of variations that can work really well, too.

• Swap eggplant with zucchini, mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Use chicken or pork mince instead of turkey.
• Add steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra veggies.
• Top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for crunch.

FAQs

Can I use another protein besides turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or even beef work well with this sauce.

Do I have to use cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, but you can swap it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice are great, but brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa are good swaps too.

How do I make this Asian Ground Turkey Recipe spicier?
Add more hot sauce, toss in chili flakes, or drizzle with extra spicy mayo on top.

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