Sesame ginger turkey green beans is a quick one-pan dinner with a takeout feel. Ground turkey and crisp-tender green beans are cooked together in toasted sesame oil with fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
The whole meal takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, and it uses ingredients that are easy to find. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling dinner that is full of protein and vegetables.
Table of Contents
Why This Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans Recipe Works
Toasted sesame oil carries a deep, nutty flavor, and a small amount goes a long way. Cooking the turkey in it means the flavor is built into the meat from the first minute, instead of being added only at the end.
Fresh ginger and garlic give the dish a warm, aromatic base. They go in after the turkey is browned so they have just enough time to turn fragrant without burning, which would leave a bitter taste.
Green beans hold their shape and snap well in a hot skillet, so they give the soft turkey a pleasant contrast. A simple splash of soy sauce ties everything together without needing a long list of sauce ingredients.
Ingredients for Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds for topping, optional
How to Make Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
1. Brown the turkey.
Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, break it into small pieces, and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Ground turkey should reach 165 degrees F.
2. Add the garlic and ginger.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the green beans and soy sauce.
Add the green beans and the soy sauce. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the beans are tender and a vibrant green.
4. Season and serve.
Taste and add the salt and pepper as needed. Spoon over hot rice or noodles and top with sesame seeds if you like.
How to Serve Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
Serve this over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch, and a side salad or steamed vegetables make it a complete meal.
If you like this combination, you may also enjoy the ground turkey green bean stir fry and the ginger garlic ground turkey stir fry. For more green bean ideas, try the easy sauteed green beans or the chinese buffet green beans as a side dish.
How to Store and Reheat Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in a sealed container. They keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store any rice or noodles separately so they do not soak up the sauce.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, at 165 degrees F. The green beans will be a little softer after reheating, but the flavor is still excellent.
Tips and Variations for Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same pace. Do not overcook them. They should be tender but still bright green. Fresh beans work best, and frozen green beans can work in a pinch if you add them straight from the freezer and cook them a little longer.
Top the dish with sesame seeds for extra crunch. For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce. Ground chicken is a simple swap for the turkey.
Because soy sauce is salty, taste before you add any extra salt. For safe cooking and chilling habits, see the Texas A&M AgriLife Fight BAC brochure, which covers cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
Can I use frozen green beans in sesame ginger turkey green beans?
You can. Add them straight to the pan after the garlic and ginger and cook until they are hot and tender, which may take a bit longer than fresh beans.
Can I make sesame ginger turkey green beans with ground chicken or pork?
Ground chicken works well and should reach 165 degrees F. Ground pork also works, but it should be cooked to 160 degrees F.
How do I keep green beans bright green?
Cook them just until tender and avoid covering the pan for a long time. Stirring often helps them cook evenly.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice and noodles are the classics. For a lower carb meal, serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp salad.
Is sesame ginger turkey green beans good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and makes an easy lunch. Keep the rice separate and reheat everything until steaming hot.
Sesame Ginger Turkey Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 1 lb green beans trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt plus more to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through to 165 degrees F.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the green beans and soy sauce and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender and bright green.
- Season with the salt and pepper and serve over rice or noodles.
