Save Experience the ultimate fusion of comfort and bold flavor with this Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese. This dish takes the classic, creamy macaroni and cheese and elevates it with sweet and spicy Korean-inspired ground turkey crumbles. Topped with fresh scallions, it offers a vibrant burst of color and a sophisticated twist on a beloved household staple.
Save This recipe balances the richness of a homemade cheese sauce with the umami punch of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. By preparing the turkey separately and folding it into the creamy pasta, every bite is loaded with texture and flavor. It is a creative way to use ground turkey and a great introduction to Korean ingredients like gochujang.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- Sauce: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Korean-Style Turkey: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish: 4 scallions (thinly sliced), 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil Pasta
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare Roux
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Step 3: Make Cheese Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
- Step 4: Sauté Turkey Base
- In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up meat, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 5: Season Turkey
- Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the turkey is well-coated and sauce is slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Combine
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated and creamy. Fold in half of the turkey mixture.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Divide the mac and cheese among serving bowls. Top each with remaining turkey crumbles, scallions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to add the milk gradually to the flour and butter mixture while whisking constantly. When adding the cheese, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Using a wooden spoon for folding and a whisk for the sauce will give you the best results.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this dish, consider using reduced-fat cheese and milk, or substituting the ground turkey with ground chicken. If you want to include more vegetables, steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers make excellent additions that complement the spicy turkey flavors perfectly.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this flavorful fusion dish immediately for the best texture. For a complete dining experience, pair the meal with a crisp lager or a lightly chilled rosé. The freshness of the scallions and the nuttiness of the sesame seeds are essential for the final touch of flavor.
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Whether you are looking to spice up your routine or impress guests with a creative fusion meal, this Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese is a winner. With 32g of protein and a complex flavor profile, it is a satisfying dish that brings a delicious twist to the dinner table.
Recipe Q&A
- → What makes this dish Korean-style?
The Korean flavors come from gochujang (fermented Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients create a sweet and spicy profile typical of Korean cuisine.
- → Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the gochujang and red pepper flakes. You can also use less gochujang and increase the honey to balance the flavors.
- → What can I substitute for gochujang?
Mix sriracha with a teaspoon of miso paste, or use Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) with a bit of soy sauce and sugar.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The components can be made separately up to a day in advance. Reheat the cheese sauce gently with a splash of milk before combining.
- → Is this suitable for freezing?
The turkey mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. The cheese sauce may separate when frozen and reheated, so it's best enjoyed fresh.