This gluten free Korean ground turkey and rice bowl makes a crowd-pleasing dinner that is on the table in less than 20 minutes!
Gluten Free Korean Ground Turkey Rice Bowl
As a mom of little kids I am a big fan of quick and easy dinners like this gluten free Korean ground turkey rice bowl recipe.
It is simple, and easy to make and it is always a big hit with my kiddos and my husband.
It is sweet, salty, with just a hint of heat.
It isn’t “spicy”.
Just full of flavor.
Even my toddlers will eat it!
Some of my other favorite quick and easy meals are my gluten free 10-minute enchilada recipe and gluten free one pot no drain Mac n Cheese.
I love having easy dinner recipes in my back pocket.
It is the only way I can survive the week!
You may have seen recipes for Korean Beef on Pinterest.
This is my version of that recipe.
How do you make gluten free korean ground turkey?
Why do I use ground turkey?
I used ground turkey because it is less expensive.
I know some people pick ground turkey for health reasons, but I picked it because it doesn’t make as big a dent in my wallet.
Because of the caramelized brown sugar and tamari sauce on the meat, you really can’t tell that it is turkey and not ground beef.
Because of the seasonings, this ground turkey bowl tastes rich and savory.
You wouldn't know it was ground turkey unless I told you!
Why does this Korean Ground Turkey have brown sugar?
The brown sugar adds some sweetness to counteract the heat from the pepper flakes.
You can absolutely adjust the amount of sugar to suite your tastes.
Every Korean Beef recipe I've seen uses about the same amount of sugar, and this is how my family likes it.
It you want it less sweet, you can cut the brown sugar down to ¼ cup.
You can also substitute coconut sugar, or another less-sweet sweetener.
Help! My Korean turkey and rice bowl was too sweet!
If your Korean ground turkey is too sweet for your taste, or if you would like to make it more savory, cut the brown sugar in the recipe by up to half.
A reader added some rice wine vinegar because her ground turkey and rice bowl was a little sweet for her.
Rice wine vinegar sounds like a great addition! I’d add about a tablespoon or so, to taste.
Can I use something other than brown sugar in my Korean ground turkey?
Yes! You can absolutely use a different sweetener to help make this recipe fit better with your diet.
To make this Korean ground turkey paleo, use ¼- ½ cup of coconut palm sugar.
You can also use ¼ cup of honey instead of the brown sugar. It will change the flavor profile a little, but will still be delicious.
Can I add vegetables to my Korean turkey and rice bowl?
Yes! Several readers have commented that they have added green beans. That just sounds delicious to me!
I’d recommend adding the veggies to your hot skillet just before the ground turkey is cooked through.
Adding the vegetables before adding the seasonings, gluten free tamari, and brown sugar will help them to have an opportunity to brown slightly before you add the moisture.
That golden brown caramelization equals more flavor!
Here are some ideas for vegetables to add to your turkey and rice bowl:
- Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced to make semi circles
- Broccoli, frozen and thawed or fresh.
- Green beans, frozen or fresh. Blanch them briefly in salted boiling water to keep them green!
- Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- Bell peppers, seeded and diced. They add color, and great flavor.
- Frozen peas (don’t add until the dish is almost finished, after adding the seasonings. You want them to just barely thaw!)
What if I don't have sesame oil?
I really love the complexity that the sesame oil and ground ginger add to the gluten free Korean turkey and rice bowl.
I have made it before without sesame oil when I have been out.
If you don’t have it in your pantry you can skip the sesame oil and still enjoy this meal.
Can I make Korean ground turkey without soy sauce?
I know many people avoid soy-based products.
Whether you avoid soy for an allergy, or as a personal preference, there are some great soy-free substitues for gluten free/tamari soy sauce.
My favorite it coco aminos. Any coconut aminos will work!
Usually coconut aminos are a bit sweeter and less salty.
To compensate for the sweetness in coconut aminos, slightly reduce the sugar you use in the recipe.
You may also want to add a little salt, since coconut aminos don’t have as much salt. That is, unless you are trying to eat a lower sodium diet.
What can I serve with my Korean ground turkey?
With quick-cooking (or leftover) rice you can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver for me.
You can make your own parboiled rice to put gluten free dinners on your table quickly.
If you don’t like rice, try serving your Korean turkey over a bowl of rice ramen or other gluten free pasta.
For a low carb, or paleo-friendly Korean ground turkey, serve over cauliflower rice.
What do I use to garnish Korean Ground Turkey?
I like to use fresh cilantro to garnish my Korean ground turkey instead of sliced green onions which I’ve seen many other Korean ground beef recipes use. But I'll also use sliced green onions.
Once when making gluten free Korean ground turkey for dinner I discovered that I didn’t have sliced green onions when I went to serve it.
I needed to add something fresh and green so I used cilantro because I did have that (and I love cilantro.)
My hubby is NOT a fan of green onions, and always pushes them to the side.
However, he liked cilantro on his gluten free Korean ground turkey and rice bowl.
The cilantro was such a hit, that is how I’ve finished off my gluten free Korean ground turkey ever since. (If you like ground turkey, you'll also love my gluten-free meatballs with ground turkey.). (If you like ground turkey, you'll also love my gluten-free meatballs with ground turkey.).
Of course, you can garnish your gluten free Korean turkey and rice bowl with green onions if you prefer.
I’ll sometimes also garnish my ground turkey with sesame seeds. They compliment the sesame oil in the recipe nicely.
If you are a big fan of rice bowls, I think you'll love this Sweet Chili Lime Rice Bowl with Edamame and Mango from my friend Kristen of A Mind "Full" Mom. It is next on my family's dinner rotation!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
We love anything Korean flavored in our house! Looks good!!
flippindelicious
Thank you Lauren!
Raia
I love rice bowls. So easy and delicious!
flippindelicious
Thank you Raia!
Megan
I make this same thing, but with broccoli. Best weeknight dinner ever!
flippindelicious
I'll have to add some broccoli next time I make it! Great idea, Thanks Megan!
Chandice Probst
What a great recipe Brianna!!
flippindelicious
Thank you Chandice!
Celeste
I'm going to try this! We need something new in our menu rotation.
flippindelicious
Thanks Celeste! I hope that you and your family love it. It is a definite family favorite around here. 🙂
Tori Hobbs
Yummy! Great job Brianna - love the pictures too!
flippindelicious
Thanks Tori!
Sarah Moore
Hi was wondering whether you have any gluten free quick lunchtime/ snack recipes as my daughter is fed up of gf sandwiches and jacket potatoes for lunch
Regards Sarah
flippindelicious
Hi Sarah,
I know the struggle! Here are some of my gluten free lunch recipes, gluten free snack recipes. You may also find some of my pinterest boards helpful, I collect recipes from many reputable gluten-free websites. My gluten free lunchbox board may be especially helpful.
Hope that helps. Happy Baking! -Brianna
Simone Barker
I added frozen green beans and it was delicious over jasmine rice. I wish I would have had cilantro, fresh and scallions to add to the deep of the dish. Also I would cut back on brown sugar. Very happy on the flavor and the ease to create. Love it and would cook again. Thank for sharing the recipe. Simone. 🍚🦃
flippindelicious
So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Simone! Green beans sound like a tasty addition. -Brianna
Giselle
This was extremely sweet. It could’ve either been the excessive amount of brown sugar or the fact that there was an entire tablespoon of sesame oil. I had to cut the sweetness with Rice wine vinegar. I will most likely never make this recipe again.
flippindelicious
Hi Giselle,
I'm sorry this recipe was too sweet for your taste. You can absolutely adapt it to your family's taste and cut down on the brown sugar, or use a substitute that is less sweet, like coconut sugar.
Best,
Brianna
Donna
This is a fabulous recipe- I cut back on the brown sugar a bit and added the green beans and honestly ate away - so good 😊
flippindelicious
Hi Donna, Green Beans sound like a great addition. I can't wait to try it! -Brianna
Karley
Made this recipe with a few changes (added onion & green beans) no sesame oil & it came out delicious. Would love to try this same recipe but as a filling for a lettuce wrap.
flippindelicious
Hi Karley, The onion and green beans sound like a delicious addition! I agree, I think this recipe would make a delicious filling for a lettuce wrap. Let me know if you try it! Happy Cooking! -Brianna