Creamy Korean Turkey Rice Skillet

This Creamy Korean Turkey Rice Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan dish featuring ground turkey simmered in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce, folded with fluffy rice and crowned with a silky jammy egg. It offers a perfect balance of comfort and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

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The combination of savory turkey and the richness of a jammy egg creates a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. By using simple aromatics like garlic and ginger, you can build deep layers of flavor in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 4 large eggs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or diced
• 1 cup (150 g) baby spinach
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
• 3 cups cooked short-grain rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tbsp sliced scallions
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Kimchi (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil. Carefully add eggs and simmer for 7 minutes for jammy yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath; peel and set aside.

Step 2

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add ground turkey; cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4

Stir in carrot and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Lower heat to medium. Add gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and broth. Stir to coat turkey evenly and bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Add heavy cream (if using) and baby spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 1 minute.

Step 7

Fold in cooked rice, mixing thoroughly until rice is hot and well combined with the sauce.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Slice jammy eggs in half. Serve rice skillet in bowls, top each with a halved egg, scallions, sesame seeds, and kimchi if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using day-old rice is highly recommended as it has a firmer texture that holds up better when mixed with the sauce. For those who enjoy extra heat, adding a dash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) can enhance the spicy profile of the dish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Ground chicken can easily be substituted for turkey if preferred. To keep the dish dairy-free, use coconut cream for that extra silkiness or simply omit the cream altogether for a lighter, more traditional finish.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this flavorful skillet in deep bowls, ensuring each portion gets two halves of a jammy egg. Garnish generously with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve alongside a portion of tangy kimchi to complement the creamy sauce.

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This Creamy Korean Turkey Rice Skillet brings a world of flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist, it is sure to become a recurring favorite in your meal rotation.

Recipe FAQ

→ What makes this dish Korean-inspired?

The authentic Korean flavors come from gochujang (fermented red chili paste), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional kimchi garnish. These ingredients create the signature sweet-spicy-umami profile of Korean cuisine.

→ Can I use different proteins?

Ground chicken works beautifully as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly as turkey and chicken cook similarly.

→ Why use day-old rice?

Cooked and chilled rice has less moisture, preventing a mushy texture when stir-fried. The grains separate easily and absorb the sauce better. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes first.

→ How do I make it dairy-free?

Simply omit the heavy cream or use full-fat coconut cream instead. The dish remains creamy and satisfying without dairy. Always check that your gochujang brand doesn't contain hidden dairy ingredients.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce gochujang to 1 tablespoon for milder heat, or increase to 3 tablespoons for more intensity. Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for extra spice and smoky flavor. The honey balances the heat naturally.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. The jammy eggs are best stored separately and added fresh when serving.