Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Creamy cheddar macaroni topped with gochujang-glazed turkey, sesame, and scallions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Cheese

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Korean-Style Turkey

10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 - 14 oz ground turkey
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
14 - 2 tablespoons gochujang
15 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
16 - 1 tablespoon honey
17 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
18 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

→ Garnish

19 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
20 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - 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.
03 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the turkey and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
05 - In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
08 - Mix the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated.
09 - Divide the mac and cheese among serving bowls. Top each portion with a generous amount of the Korean turkey crumbles.
10 - Finish with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fusion Flavor: A unique balance of cheesy comfort and bold gochujang heat.
  • Quick and Hearty: Ready in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
  • High Protein: Packed with 34g of protein per serving thanks to the ground turkey and dairy.
02 -
  • Ensure the pasta is cooked only until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
  • If the turkey mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it.
  • Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens such as dairy, gluten, soy, and sesame before preparing.
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