Name: Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Introduction

This honey garlic ground turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. The sweet honey blends perfectly with savory soy sauce and fresh garlic, creating a sticky, delicious glaze. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups for a versatile meal that everyone will enjoy.

A white bowl filled with two layers, the bottom layer is fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and the top layer is cooked ground meat in a rich dark brown sauce with a shiny glaze. The meat is garnished with small bright green chopped scallions, thin red chili rings, white sesame seeds, and fresh green cilantro leaves on top. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with some scattered green scallions around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil.
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.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
Step 6: Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the turkey.
Step 7: Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish. Remove the skillet from heat.
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 more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili paste.
For a lighter option, serve the turkey in crisp lettuce cups instead of over rice.
Include stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to boost nutrition and stretch the meal.
Cook in batches or use a larger skillet when doubling the recipe to ensure proper browning.

Storage

Store leftover honey garlic ground turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, and the top layer is cooked ground meat with a shiny, brown sauce. On top, there are small green onion pieces, thin red chili slices, sesame seeds, and green cilantro leaves centered as garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly with this recipe. The cooking process remains the same, and the honey garlic sauce complements chicken just as well.

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 the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.