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Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Recipe

4.7 from 158 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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