I make this Honey Garlic Ground Turkey on busy weeknights when I want big flavor without fuss. Ground turkey cooks fast, so you get a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze in under 20 minutes. It’s mild, family-friendly, and easy to customize — a great go-to when you want something satisfying that pairs with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe balances sweet honey with savory soy and a hit of garlic for depth. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and leaner than many ground-beef or pork alternatives, which makes it a smart weeknight main. Because the sauce coats every crumbled bit, even picky eaters often ask for seconds.
“Simple, fast, and full of flavor — it felt like takeout at home.” — a regular weeknight convert
If you want ideas for a light starter before this dish, try a bright pea bruschetta to wake up the palate.
Step-by-step overview
You’ll brown the turkey, add garlic, whisk a quick honey-soy sauce, and simmer until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat. Total active time: about 15–20 minutes. No special equipment needed — a large skillet and a small bowl are enough. This short overview helps you know what to expect before you start.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean for best texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a neutral oil like avocado)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup honey (substitute maple syrup for a different sweetness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium to reduce salt)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
If you’re looking for other comforting turkey mains, you might also like this white chicken chili — it’s different but shares the same weeknight comfort vibe.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into pieces with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it browns evenly.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir to coat every bit of meat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the turkey.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Best ways to enjoy it
This honey garlic turkey is versatile. Serve it over steamed white or brown rice, toss with udon or ramen noodles, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter option. For creamy comfort, pair it with mashed potatoes — rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes are a particularly lovely side that complements the sweet-savory glaze: rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes. You can also pile it into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage for crunchy tacos.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store up to 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
- To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Food safety note: ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooked; use a thermometer if unsure.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If the pan is packed, the meat will steam instead of brown. Browned bits add extra flavor.
- Use a mix of light and dark turkey if you can find it — it’s slightly more forgiving and juicier than very lean options.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a couple minutes longer, or stir in 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of cold water for a glossy finish.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute for nuttier garnish.
Creative twists
- Spicy: add 1 teaspoon sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Low-carb: skip rice and serve in butter lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber.
- Veg-forward: stir in chopped bell pepper, snap peas, or shredded carrots during the last 3–4 minutes of simmering for texture and color.
- Swap the protein: this sauce is great on shredded chicken or turkey meatballs for a different presentation.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Plan for about 20 minutes total — 5–7 minutes to brown, a couple minutes for garlic and sauce mixing, and 5 minutes simmer.
Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?
A: Yes. Make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently and pour over freshly cooked turkey to finish.
Q: Is ground turkey sticky enough to hold the sauce?
A: Yes. Because you crumble the turkey, the sauce clings to each piece. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer a bit longer or use a cornstarch slurry.
Q: Can I use turkey breast only?
A: You can, but very lean ground turkey can dry out faster. Watch cooking time and add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Q: Can this be doubled for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Cook in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded, then combine and cool quickly before refrigerating.
Conclusion
If you enjoy trying different turkey recipes, you might also like this Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe We’ve Made for a cozy oven-baked option. And if the honey garlic flavor strikes a chord, check out these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs – Love to be in the Kitchen for another hands-off honey garlic favorite.
Honey Garlic Ground Turkey
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean) for best texture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or a neutral oil like avocado
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch
- 1/4 cup honey substitute maple syrup for a different sweetness
- 1/4 cup soy sauce use low-sodium to reduce salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar apple cider vinegar works if needed
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into pieces with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it browns evenly.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir to coat every bit of meat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the turkey.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
