Save The Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan dish featuring tender ground turkey cooked in a sweet-and-sour Korean-inspired sauce. With juicy pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice, this easy-to-make main dish is a dairy-free fusion meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Save This recipe yields 4 servings and is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort. By combining pantry staples like ketchup and soy sauce with fresh produce, you can create a satisfying meal that rivals takeout in both taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 2 eggs (optional, for topping)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (150 g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste; adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Transfer turkey to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
- Step 4
- Return turkey to the skillet. Add pineapple chunks and stir to combine.
- Step 5
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, gochujang, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour sauce into the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly.
- Step 6
- Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps, and mix well. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing rice to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8
- (Optional) In a separate nonstick pan, fry eggs sunny-side up; serve over each portion.
- Step 9
- Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. To achieve the best results, use day-old rice, as the drier grains separate more easily and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy during the stir-fry process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra crunch, add snap peas or water chestnuts. You can substitute ground chicken or pork if preferred. For those who enjoy a spicier dish, simply increase the gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the skillet hot, garnished generously with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. For a rich, velvety finish, top each serving with a sunny-side-up fried egg as suggested in the optional step.
Save This Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet is a versatile and satisfying meal that brings together protein, vegetables, and grains in a single, flavorful dish. Whether you are cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a savory and sweet dinner.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully. Use about 1 cup of fresh chunks, slightly firmer than canned. Canned pineapple adds extra sweetness to the sauce.
- → What makes this Korean-inspired?
The inclusion of gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, and rice vinegar gives this dish its distinctive Korean flair. Gochujang adds depth and gentle heat.
- → Why use day-old rice?
Day-old rice has dried slightly, preventing a mushy texture during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice can become gummy. If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool first.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. Increase gochujang to 2 tablespoons, add crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle with sriracha when serving. Adjust heat level to your preference.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- → Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Ground chicken or pork work equally well. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based grounds, adjusting cooking time accordingly.