Save This Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese is a bold and comforting fusion that brings together the best of two worlds. The rich, velvety cheddar sauce coats every piece of elbow macaroni, providing a creamy base for the stars of the dish: sweet and spicy Korean-inspired turkey crumbles. Garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds, this meal is a vibrant and satisfying twist on a classic favorite.
Save Whether you are a fan of traditional macaroni and cheese or you are looking for new ways to use Korean pantry staples like gochujang, this recipe offers a delicious way to expand your culinary horizons. It is a crowd-pleaser that delivers complexity in every bite without being overly difficult to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Cheese: 300 g (10 oz) elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 150 g (1 ½ cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 60 g (½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ½ tsp salt.
- Korean-Style Turkey: 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 400 g (14 oz) ground turkey, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp ginger, grated, 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil.
- Garnish: 3 scallions, thinly sliced, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add garlic and ginger to the turkey; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Step 5
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 6
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 8
- Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Step 9
- To serve, divide the mac and cheese among bowls. Top each with a generous spoonful of the Korean turkey crumbles.
- Step 10
- Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra heat, add a dash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the turkey mixture. When making the cheese sauce, whisk the milk in very slowly at the beginning to ensure the roux incorporates smoothly without lumps.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground chicken or ground beef for the turkey if preferred. For those following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free pasta and flour, and swap the soy sauce for tamari.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish hot in individual bowls. It pairs excellently with a side of kimchi or simple pickled vegetables to provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the rich cheese sauce.
Save With its creamy texture and punchy, sweet-spicy topping, this Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese is a flavorful dinner solution that is sure to please the whole family.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does gochujang taste like?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a complex flavor profile—savory, slightly sweet, and moderately spicy. It adds depth and umami to dishes without overwhelming heat.
- → Can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the gochujang to 1 teaspoon or substitute with a milder chili paste. You can also increase the honey to balance the heat with more sweetness.
- → What cheese works best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor while mozzarella adds creaminess and melt. Gruyère or fontina are excellent alternatives for a more gourmet twist.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
The cheese sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated gently with added milk. The turkey topping also stores well—reheat before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free macaroni, rice flour or cornstarch for the roux, and tamari instead of soy sauce. Double-check that your gochujang is certified gluten-free.