Ground turkey is an incredibly versatile and healthy ingredient. It’s lower in fat than beef or pork, packed with protein and takes well to a variety of cooking methods. However ground turkey can easily become bland and dry if not prepared properly. The secret weapon to take your ground turkey dishes to new heights of flavor? Sauce!
The right sauce paired with ground turkey can infuse it with delicious new dimensions of taste. Sauces inject moisture, complement the mild turkey flavor and meld ingredients together into a cohesive crave-worthy meal. If you’re looking to upgrade your ground turkey repertoire, read on for the best sauces to mix and match.
Tomato-Based Sauces
When most people think sauce, a tomato-based option likely comes to mind first. Tomato sauces are a classic pairing with ground turkey that can’t be beaten. The sweet tanginess of tomato balances beautifully with the neutral turkey flavor. Try these tasty tomato-sauce options:
Marinara
This Italian restaurant staple adds hearty flavor to turkey. Sauté onions and garlic then simmer with canned diced tomatoes basil, oregano, and red wine vinegar.
Bolognese
For a meaty, rich sauce, sauté ground turkey with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, beef stock, tomato paste, red wine, and herbs. Simmer until thickened.
Tomato Curry
Indian flavors transform ground turkey wonderfully. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Add coconut milk, tomato sauce, and yogurt or cream.
Puttanesca
Olives, capers, and anchovies pack a flavor punch. Sauté them with onions, garlic, crushed red pepper, tomato paste, and white wine.
Arrabbiata
Spice it up with this fiery sauce. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then add canned diced tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan.
Cream-Based Sauces
The richness of a cream sauce is another excellent match for mild ground turkey. The dairy smooths out the meat’s texture and introduces delicious new elements. Consider these creamy sauce ideas:
Alfredo
This garlicky Parmesan sauce is a surefire winner. Simmer heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then stir in grated Parmesan.
Paprika Sour Cream
For a quick sauce, combine sour cream, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Delicious heaped over turkey stuffed peppers or casseroles.
Green Chili and Cheddar
Southwestern flavors unite! Make a creamy base with chicken broth, sour cream, and flour. Fold in roasted green chiles and sharp cheddar cheese.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Cook sliced mushrooms and onions, then stir in beef broth, stone ground mustard, flour, and sour cream. Season with paprika, parsley, salt and pepper.
Cheese Sauce
Simply melt butter with flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, then stir in any cheese you like – cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella!
Global Flavor Sauces
Ethnic sauces from around the world can transform boring ground turkey into an exciting new dish. Branch out from the basics and try these full-flavored global sauces:
Thai Peanut
Asian peanut sauce is fantastic on turkey. Purée ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili-garlic sauce, brown sugar, peanut butter, and coconut milk.
Chimichurri
This fresh Argentinian sauce packs a punch of herbs, garlic, vinegar, oil, and chili flakes. Let the mixture marinate into turkey for maximum flavor.
Tzatziki
Cool, creamy Greek tzatziki sauce utilizes yogurt and cucumber. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Jamaican Jerk
For Caribbean flavor, sauté onions, garlic, scotch bonnets, allspice, thyme, and ginger. Add brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and Maggi seasoning.
Tikka Masala
Blend diced tomatoes, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add cream or coconut milk for an Indian treat.
Quick Pan Sauces
You don’t need complex recipes to sauce up ground turkey. Quick pan sauces come together while the turkey browns for immediate flavor. Deglaze the pan with wine, broth, vinegar or juice and let reduce. Then stir in creative ingredients like:
- Mustard and tarragon
- Lemon and capers
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Balsamic vinegar and rosemary
- Hoisin sauce and chili-garlic sauce
Get creative with combinations! The options for saucing ground turkey are infinite. With the right sauce, you can turn bland turkey into a masterpiece. Experiment with different flavors and find your new go-to combos. Just don’t serve up that ground turkey plain and naked – sauce it up!
This Korean Ground Turkey recipe is a fast, healthy, and convenient family weeknight dinner. With no prepping this meal comes together in only 20 minutes! Great served along with steamed vegetables, this is a meal you will come back to time and time again!
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So, this recipe is a total cheat; it’s based on Korean Beef that has been changed many times, so before anyone calls me out on it not being real, I know this. I wanted to make this popular dish in a way that was cheap, healthy, quick, and easy for anyone to make. Korean Turkey on the Ground
So why’d I do all these switches:
• I wanted to ditch the red meat and go with a leaner white meat option.
• Turkey breast where I live It may not be the same for everyone, but I’ve gotten used to choosing ground turkey over beef.
• You can use very low-fat ground turkey and it will still taste great. Ground turkey can be bland sometimes, but the sauce gives this recipe so much flavor that my husband said, “I didn’t know you could make ground turkey taste this good.”
• I made the sauce as simple as possible, but I used honey instead of brown sugar. When it comes to sweeteners, I try to keep my family away from refined sugars and only use natural ones when I have to. In this recipe my husband actually preferred the honey flavor over the brown sugar flavor!.
I hope you enjoy these Korean Ground Turkey in general.
How do I make Korean Ground Turkey?
With essentially no prep this meal comes together incredibly easy!
First, you should start cooking the rice. Depending on your method or the directions on the package, this could take longer than cooking the turkey, so do it first. It’s easy to cook rice on the stove. Just follow the directions on the package or check out my post on the subject.
To get the turkey going you will heat a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble and brown the ground turkey 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain out grease if needed.
While turkey is cooking, make the sauce. Add garlic, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to a bowl. Mix together.
Once turkey is fully cooked add the sauce to the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens/absorbs into the turkey.
To serve fluff and scoop rice into bowls. Divide the turkey over the rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Goes great with steamed broccoli or carrots.
• For the rice: use whatever rice (or grain) you prefer. I think white rice tastes the best, but it might not be the best choice for you. For a healthier option, try brown rice or even cauliflower rice.
• This dish goes great with some steamed broccoli
• Remember to start your rice cooking before you start on the ground Turkey, it takes longer
People have told me many times that they love to double the sauce, so go ahead and do that!
Turkey Spaghetti That Your Grandma Would Be Proud Of!
FAQ
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