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Golden Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.4 from 27 reviews

This Golden Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, colorful one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, aromatic spices like turmeric and sumac, tender rice, and a refreshing cucumber salad. The dish is finished with a tangy lemon garlic yogurt, offering a vibrant and wholesome dinner perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Main Skillet Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp. paprika (sweet)
  • 3/4 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 cup dry long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati), rinsed
  • 2 1/2 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Cucumber Salad Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shaved (or very thinly sliced) red onion
  • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. ground sumac
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half moons
  • 1 cup diced Roma or plum tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Lemony Yogurt Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 grated garlic clove (or 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; cook the mixture until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Brown Meat: Add 1 pound ground turkey to the pan and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon until browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice to coat it evenly in the oil and spices. Toast the rice grains for 1 minute, then pour in 2 1/2 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 23 to 27 minutes.
  4. Prepare Cucumber Salad Base: While the rice cooks, place 1/2 cup shaved red onion in a medium mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons ground sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss to combine and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to allow the onion to pickle and soften.
  5. Mix Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 grated garlic clove (or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic). Mix well and set aside.
  6. Finish Cucumber Salad: Just before the turkey and rice are ready, add 2 halved and thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil to the pickled red onion mixture. Toss everything to combine thoroughly.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the golden turkey and rice mixture into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the lemony yogurt sauce and a generous spoonful of the sumac cucumber salad. Garnish with extra cracked black pepper or fresh herbs if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
  • Letting the red onion sit in vinegar and sumac softens its sharpness and adds a tangy flavor to the salad.
  • You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey if preferred.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead by making the turkey and rice mixture and cucumber salad separately, then combining before serving.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit the yogurt sauce or substitute with a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/golden-ground-turkey-and-rice-skillet-recipe/