Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This honey garlic ground turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Sweet honey combines with savory soy sauce and fresh garlic to create a sticky glaze that perfectly coats the turkey. It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or lettuce cups for a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring until the meat is golden brown and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
6. Step 6: Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the turkey.
7. Step 7: Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish. Remove the skillet from heat.
8. Step 8: Serve the honey garlic ground turkey over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups. Garnish with the remaining green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• To add heat, increase red pepper flakes or add chili paste to taste.
• Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb option or mix in stir-fried vegetables to boost nutrition.
• For meal prep, divide into containers with rice and vegetables for balanced portions.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, let the turkey cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe. The cooking method stays the same, and the honey garlic sauce pairs well with chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the honey garlic ground turkey up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Recipe

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This honey garlic ground turkey recipe is a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring sweet honey, savory low-sodium soy sauce, and fresh garlic, it creates a sticky glaze that perfectly coats the lean ground turkey. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in crisp lettuce cups for a versatile meal that’s family-friendly and easy to customize for extra spice or lighter options.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)

Flavorings & Sauces

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Oil

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil such as canola or avocado oil, which have high smoke points and won’t overpower flavors.
2. Brown the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and stir frequently as it cooks until golden brown and no pink remains, about 6–7 minutes. Keep the turkey crumbly for the best texture.
3. Add garlic for flavor: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and bitterness.
4. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined and the honey is fully dissolved.
5. Combine turkey and sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Stir thoroughly to coat all the meat evenly.
6. Simmer to thicken: Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the turkey pieces, creating a glossy, sticky glaze.
7. Finish with green onions: Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Remove skillet from heat once incorporated.
8. Serve and garnish: Spoon the honey garlic ground turkey over freshly cooked rice, noodles, or into lettuce cups. Garnish with remaining green onions and optional sesame seeds for extra crunch and presentation.

Notes

• You can substitute ground chicken or ground beef if preferred.
• To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add chili paste.
• For meal prep, divide into containers with rice and vegetables for balanced portions.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
• Use neutral oils like canola or avocado oil for cooking as they have high smoke points and won’t interfere with the dish’s flavor.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic during cooking as it can become bitter.

Keywords: honey garlic ground turkey, quick turkey recipe, ground turkey dinner, easy honey garlic sauce, healthy turkey skillet, weeknight turkey recipe