Pin Discover a vibrant, one-pan meal that brings a delicious sweet-and-sour twist to your weeknight dinner routine. This Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet features Korean-spiced ground turkey, juicy pineapple chunks, and crisp bell peppers, all tossed together with fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying fusion dish that is both dairy-free and full of flavor.
Pin This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate ground turkey using staples like soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. The addition of gochujang—a Korean chili paste—adds a unique depth of flavor and a gentle heat that ties the entire skillet together.
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, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
- Step 3
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet and mix well to coat all ingredients.
- Step 5
- Fold in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the rice to heat through.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use day-old rice as it is drier and less likely to become sticky or mushy during the stir-fry process. If you enjoy extra heat, feel free to add more gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the rice to help it crisp up slightly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While turkey is a lean and healthy choice, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or pork. For those following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use a gluten-free gochujang and soy sauce, and always verify the labels on your ketchup for any potential allergens.
Serviervorschläge
This all-in-one meal is best served immediately while steaming hot. To complement the sweet and spicy profile of the dish, pair it with a crisp Riesling or a refreshing cold lager. The bright colors of the bell peppers and pineapple make this a beautiful centerpiece for a casual weeknight dinner table.
Pin Enjoy this effortless 410-calorie meal that packs 27g of protein per serving. It’s a nutritious and exciting way to bring fusion flavors into your home cooking with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple works beautifully and adds natural sweetness. Just ensure it's cut into bite-sized chunks and drained well to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
- → What makes this dish Korean-inspired?
The gochujang (Korean chili paste) provides authentic Korean flavor with its fermented heat and depth. Combined with sesame oil and soy sauce, it creates that distinctive Korean taste profile.
- → Why is day-old rice preferred?
Cold, day-old rice has less moisture and separate grains, preventing the skillet from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice can work if spread and cooled for 30 minutes first.
- → Can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the gochujang to 1 teaspoon or substitute with a mild chili paste. The sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar naturally balances the heat, making it family-friendly.
- → What proteins can substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken, lean pork, or even crumbled tofu work well. Adjust cooking time slightly—turkey and chicken cook similarly, while pork may need an extra minute or two.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.