1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping all the ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and grate the ginger. This will make the cooking process smoother, as you’ll be able to add ingredients quickly as needed. Prepare your rice or lettuce leaves (if using) for serving.

If you want extra spice, measure out the chili flakes to add later on, but be mindful of the heat level. Gochujang already provides a strong kick, so adjust accordingly.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and let it heat up for a minute. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove any excess liquid if necessary, but keep a bit of the fat for flavor.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly soft. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add the Sauce Ingredients

Next, add the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine and coat the ground turkey and aromatics with the sauce. If you like extra heat, this is the time to add the chili flakes to amp up the spiciness. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Simmer and Adjust the Flavor

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little honey or more brown sugar. If you want more heat, you can also add more gochujang or chili flakes at this stage. Let the turkey and sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, and the turkey is coated in the flavorful sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the turkey is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and extra flavor, while the green onions provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, spicy turkey.

Serve the Spicy Korean-Style Ground Turkey over hot steamed rice for a comforting, complete meal. Alternatively, serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, fresh option. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables, pickled cucumbers, or kimchi for added flavor and texture.