Sweet and Sour Turkey Rice

Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen with this Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet. This vibrant, one-pan dish combines tender ground turkey with a savory, Korean-inspired sauce, balanced by the natural sweetness of juicy pineapple and the crisp crunch of colorful bell peppers. It is a fantastic fusion recipe that turns simple pantry staples into a flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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The key to this dish is the high-heat stir-fry method, which allows the rice to absorb all the glossy, sweet-and-sour glaze without becoming mushy. Whether you are looking for a way to use up leftover white rice or simply want a meal that is both healthy and comforting, this skillet delivers on all fronts.

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)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

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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

Using day-old cooked rice is highly recommended for this recipe, as the drier grains fry up beautifully and maintain their structure when mixed with the sauce. If you are prepping ahead, remember that leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making this an excellent option for meal prep.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is very flexible! You can easily substitute the ground turkey for ground chicken or pork. For an extra crunch, try adding snap peas or water chestnuts during the vegetable sauté. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of gochujang or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

For a truly satisfying meal, top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg. The creamy yolk acts as a rich addition to the sweet-and-sour sauce. Don't forget to garnish with plenty of freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of color and nutty flavor.

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This Sweet-and-Sour Turkey Rice Skillet is a delightful way to bring bold, fusion flavors to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy the perfect blend of spice, tang, and sweetness in every bite!

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple works beautifully and adds natural sweetness. If using canned, drain the chunks well to avoid excess liquid in the skillet.

→ What can I substitute for gochujang?

Sriracha or Korean red pepper flakes mixed with a small amount of miso paste can provide similar heat and umami flavors. Adjust sweetness to balance.

→ Why use day-old rice?

Day-old rice has dried slightly, preventing it from becoming mushy during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice works if spread on a baking sheet and chilled for 30 minutes.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase gochujang to 2 tablespoons or add crushed red pepper flakes. A dash of chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek also works well.

→ Can I make this without eggs?

Absolutely. The eggs are optional garnish. The skillet remains satisfying and protein-rich thanks to the ground turkey.