Do you want to start cooking ground turkey but don't know how to season it? Let's look at two simple, tasty seasoning blends you can use for all of your ground turkey requirements; as an added benefit, you probably already have all of these spices in your spice rack!
And PS: don't miss my Old el Paso Taco Seasoning and The Best Taco Meat Recipe.
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How to season ground turkey
I love ground turkey as a Registered Dietitian. Ground turkey cooks up quickly, is really versatile, and is an excellent lean protein alternative. It's ideal for hectic weeknights when you want a tasty, hassle-free dinner.
However, if ground turkey isn't properly seasoned or cooked, it may taste a little dry and tasteless. These are my go-to recipes for flavorful, consistently tasty ground turkey.
- Make use of an excellent seasoning blend
This post explains my two favorite methods for flavoring ground turkey: a taco seasoning and a garlic-onion ground turkey spice mix.
Because ground turkey lacks the natural flavor of other meats, such as ground beef, you should use a lot of seasoning.
- Use a grease to cook
The majority of ground turkey is "lean ground turkey," which means it contains little fat. When picking meat, it's a terrific leaner option, but it can also be a little dry. A good supply of cooking fat, such as avocado or olive oil, should be added.
- Include moisture
Ground turkey meat usually has less fat, so you'll need to add another source of moisture to keep it from drying out too much. Depending on the dish, you can accomplish this by adding sauces and/or condiments.
Examples are ketchup and mustard on a turkey burger, sour cream and salsa on a taco, pasta sauce in a pasta dish, and salad dressing on a salad.
While cooking the turkey, it's also beneficial to add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the pan. After seasoning the ground turkey, just add a few tablespoons of water or stock and boil until the liquid has decreased and thickened.
Garlic onion ground turkey seasoning
This adaptable spice blend works well for "everyday" foods and applications. When preparing ground turkey for salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes with sauce, or even handmade turkey burgers or turkey meatballs, this is the perfect seasoning to use.
Ingredients
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Powdered garlic
- Powdered onion
- Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
Ground turkey taco seasoning
This ground turkey taco seasoning is ideal for taco night, as the name implies! Making your own taco seasoning is surprisingly simple. It can also be used for nachos, burrito bowls, taco salads, and quesadillas. This spice blend can also be used to taco season various meats.
A dish filled with numerous flavors for ground turkey taco seasoning, each labeled.
Ingredients
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Garlic powder
- Onion Powder
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
How to cook and season ground turkey
Here are detailed methods for consistently frying ground turkey to perfection!
- In a large skillet, heat 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat.
- Using a spatula or other ground meat instrument, break up a 1-pound container of ground turkey. Keep cooking until there is no more pink visible and the meat is well done.
- Evenly distribute your seasoning mixture over the turkey.
- Fill the skillet with two to three tablespoons of water or chicken stock.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the ground turkey, stirring now and then.
- Keep cooking until the liquid has been absorbed and reduced.
Ways to use ground turkey
- Pasta dishes: Serve whole grain pasta with ground turkey mixed with your preferred pesto, Alfredo, or tomato sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Taco-Salad: Ground turkey with taco seasoning, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, rice, black beans, salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips are all included in taco salad.
- Serve ground turkey tacos with your preferred salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sour cream on either soft or hard tortillas.
- A Mediterranean Turkey Bowl consists of ground turkey, couscous or bulgur, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce on top.
- Quesadillas: Sandwich two tortillas with taco-seasoned cooked mince turkey, Mexican shredded cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers. Cook in a pan until the cheese melts.
- Salads: Include mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion slices, cheddar cheese, and your preferred salad dressing as your protein source. It can also be used as a source of protein for salad bowls made from deconstructed hamburgers.
- Lettuce wraps with ground turkey: Serve with peanut sauce, shredded carrots, and green onions on lettuce wraps.
Frequently asked questions
Because ground turkey has a fairly neutral flavor, you may actually add any flavors or seasoning combinations you like. You may always use a pre-made seasoning blend—I love this one—if you don't feel like creating your own.
Add chopped onions and freshly minced garlic to your ground turkey to enhance its flavor.
Yes! Because ground turkey is quick, simple, and adaptable, it's a wonderful protein to utilize in meal prep. I suggest making a large quantity of ground turkey in advance and utilizing it for quick and simple dishes like salads and tacos throughout the week. Use it within three to four days after storing it in an airtight container.
Although ground turkey lacks the flavor of ground beef, you might try adding some Worcestershire sauce to make it taste a little bit more like ground beef.
If you tried this Best Seasoning for Ground Turkey (Two Ways!) or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
More Easy Seasoning Recipe You’ll Love:
- Easy Homemade Roasted Garlic Butter Seasoning Recipe
- Better Than Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe
- The Best Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Recipe
- The Best Dry Rub for Ribs
Recipe
Best Seasoning for Ground Turkey (Two Ways)
INGREDIENTS
Ground Turkey Taco Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Onion Ground Turkey Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the spice blend of your choice.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat.
- Using a spatula or other ground meat instrument, break up a 1-pound container of ground turkey. Keep cooking until there is no more pink visible and the meat is well done.
- Evenly distribute your seasoning mixture over the turkey.Fill the skillet with two to three tablespoons of water or chicken stock.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the ground turkey, stirring now and then. Keep cooking until the liquid has been absorbed and reduced.
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