Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is your ticket to a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes! It’s loaded with tender zucchini, savory ground turkey, and an irresistible sweet and garlicky sauce—so easy and endlessly comforting, you’ll want to make it every week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love recipes that use simple, everyday staples—yet somehow taste special every single time? Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet brings something important to the table, giving the dish its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and addictive flavor.

• Soy Sauce: The salty-sweet backbone of the sauce—low-sodium is great if you want to manage saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a gentle caramel sweetness that balances the umami and spice.
• Sesame Oil: Just a teaspoon lifts the sauce with a cozy toasty aroma—don’t skip it!
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly grated is best, infusing every bite with zingy, aromatic warmth.
• Cornstarch: The secret for that glossy, clinging sauce that makes everything more craveable.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings a mellow heat and a garlicky punch—adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Onion: Provides savory depth and softens beautifully as it cooks.
• Zucchini: Look for one that’s firm and vibrant for the best color and texture—it soaks up the sauce like a little sponge!
• Cooking Oil: Any neutral oil works; helps everything sauté evenly and adds a touch of richness.
• Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and mild—perfect for letting the sauce and veggies shine.

Variations

The beauty of this easy skillet is how endlessly customizable it is! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or feeding a crowd with specific dietary needs, Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is always ready for a tasty remix.

• Swap Your Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even broccoli for extra color and crunch.
• Spice It Up: Crank up the heat by adding an extra spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and you’re all set for a gluten-free feast.
• Different Protein: Try ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles if you want to go vegetarian.

How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Make the Sauce

First things first—whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, water, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. Mixing the sauce ahead lets the flavors meld and ensures the cornstarch fully dissolves, so your skillet will thicken up beautifully later on!

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

Dice the onion for a quick, savory base. Slice the zucchini into rounds, then chop the rounds into bite-sized quarters—this shape helps each piece brown just right without turning soggy as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté Onion & Zucchini

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped zucchini. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is starting to look translucent and the zucchini has a few golden spots. Once done, scoop them onto a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Turkey

In the same skillet (no need to clean—hooray!), add your ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and let it cook until nicely browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the browning brings out maximum flavor!

Step 5: Combine & Simmer

Return the sautéed veggies to the pan. Give your sauce another quick stir (the cornstarch can settle!), then pour it over everything in the skillet. Gently toss so every piece gets coated, then let simmer for 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything smells irresistible.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Spoon the hot, glossy Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet into bowls and top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes—whatever matches your mood tonight!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

A shower of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes are my go-to finishing touches! These little extras add color and crunch, making your Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet look and taste restaurant-worthy with barely any extra work.

Side Dishes

This skillet begs to be served over a warm bed of rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feeling lighter. You could also spoon it onto quinoa for added nuttiness or pile it over noodles for a cozy, slurpable twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the skillet mixture into grain bowls, stuff it into hollowed zucchini boats, or roll it up in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner. I even love wrapping leftovers into a warm tortilla for a fusion-style lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet keeps like a dream! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors only get better as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, but keep in mind zucchini can get a bit softer after thawing. Freeze cooled portions in individual containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For small portions, a minute or two in the microwave does the trick—just stir halfway through so everything warms up evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy but light, quick yet satisfying, the Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet really delivers—it’s the kind of meal that feels just right any night of the week. Give it a try and let yourself fall for this new weeknight favorite!

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