Save It These Korean Turkey Stuffed Naan Pockets are a vibrant fusion of savory flavors and textures. Featuring ground turkey seasoned with garlic, ginger, and spicy gochujang, this dish is tucked into warm naan and topped with crisp vegetables for a perfect handheld meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Save It The secret to this dish is the balance between the warm, savory turkey filling and the cool, refreshing crunch of sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots. Each bite is elevated by a drizzle of homemade gochujang mayo, which adds a creamy, spicy kick.
Ingredients
- Turkey Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 green onions (sliced), salt and pepper.
- Gochujang Mayo: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey.
- Assembly & Toppings: 4 large naan breads, 1 cup English cucumber (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional), lime wedges (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the gochujang mayo by whisking together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Chill until ready to use.
- Step 2
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 4
- Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the mixture is well coated and slightly sticky. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in green onions, then remove from heat.
- Step 5
- Warm naan breads in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
- Step 6
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of gochujang mayo inside each naan. Fill with turkey mixture, then top with cucumber slices, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime if desired.
- Step 7
- Fold naan over and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, ensure your skillet is well-heated before adding the aromatics. Cooking the turkey until the sauce is slightly sticky helps the flavors adhere to the meat, providing a rich glaze in every pocket.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free naan and replace the soy sauce with tamari.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pockets with fresh lime wedges on the side for a bright citrus finish. For extra crunch, consider adding pickled radishes or a simple cabbage slaw to the filling before folding.
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Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful handheld lunch, these Korean Turkey Stuffed Naan Pockets are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and fresh ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the turkey filling ahead of time?
Yes, the turkey filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet before assembling the naan pockets.
- → What can I substitute for gochujang?
Sriracha mixed with a small amount of miso paste works well, or use sambal oelek for heat. For a non-spicy option, increase the brown sugar and add extra soy sauce.
- → How do I prevent the naan from getting soggy?
Warm the naan just before assembly and serve immediately. If packing for later, keep the components separate and assemble right before eating to maintain texture.
- → Can I use a different protein?
Ground chicken, beef, or crumbled tofu work beautifully. Adjust cooking time slightly—beef may take a minute longer, while tofu cooks faster and should be added after the aromatics.
- → Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is moderate. You can control it by reducing the gochujang in both the filling and the mayo, or increase it for more kick. The cucumber and creamy mayo help balance the spice.
- → Can I freeze these pockets?
Freeze the cooked turkey filling separately for up to 3 months. Assemble with fresh naan and toppings after thawing and reheating the filling.