Description
This Korean Ground Turkey and Rice with Cucumber Crunch is a flavorful, protein-packed bowl featuring savory ground turkey, tender rice, and a refreshing cucumber topping. It is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for cucumbers)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the turkey and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss sliced cucumber with salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to lightly pickle.
- To assemble, divide rice among serving bowls, top with Korean ground turkey, and add cucumber crunch on top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower carbohydrate option.
- Adjust gochujang to control spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add shredded carrots or a fried egg on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
