Sweet and Sour Turkey Rice

This Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal that perfectly balances Korean-inspired heat with the refreshing sweetness of fruit. Featuring lean ground turkey, juicy pineapple chunks, and a medley of crisp bell peppers, this fusion dish is tossed with fluffy rice and a glossy, spicy sauce for a complete dinner that comes together in under an hour.

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The secret to this dish lies in the sauce, where traditional ingredients like rice vinegar and brown sugar meet the bold, fermented depth of Korean gochujang. Stir-frying the jasmine rice at the final stage allows it to absorb every drop of the savory glaze while maintaining a light, fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender turkey and sautéed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (day-old preferred)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.

Step 3

Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for 1–2 minutes to heat them through.

Step 4

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet and mix well to coat all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5

Fold in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the rice to heat through.

Step 6

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using day-old leftover rice is highly recommended for this skillet meal. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, whereas chilled, day-old rice stays fluffy and separates easily during the stir-fry process, preventing the dish from becoming sticky. Additionally, ensure your skillet is large enough to allow all ingredients to make contact with the heat for proper browning.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. If you do not have turkey on hand, this recipe works equally well with ground chicken or ground pork. For a gluten-free version, ensure your gochujang and soy sauce are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this flavorful skillet dish immediately while hot, ensuring each portion is topped with fresh green onions for a pop of color and crunch. For a complete dining experience, pair this meal with a crisp Riesling or a cold lager, which complements the spicy-sweet notes of the Korean-inspired sauce.

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With 410 calories and 27g of protein per serving, this Dairy-Free Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet is a wholesome choice that doesn't compromise on flavor. It is an easy, 45-minute solution for busy evenings that brings a delicious fusion of textures and tastes to your dinner table.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?

Day-old rice works best as it's drier and prevents the skillet from becoming mushy. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry out slightly before adding.

→ What makes this dish Korean-inspired?

The gochujang—Korean fermented chili paste—provides the signature Korean flavor profile with its deep umami and mild heat. Combined with sesame oil and soy sauce, it creates an authentic Korean fusion taste.

→ How spicy is this skillet?

The spice level is moderate and family-friendly. One tablespoon of gochujang adds gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. Increase to two tablespoons or add red pepper flakes if you prefer more kick.

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu work well as alternatives. Cook times remain similar regardless of protein choice, just ensure it's fully browned before adding vegetables.

→ What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or long-grain white rice are ideal options due to their fluffy texture and ability to hold up during stir-frying. Avoid sticky rice varieties as they can clump together when tossed with the sauce.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, portions freeze well for up to three months. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.