Go Back

Ground Turkey Crack Slaw - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Skillet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 (14–16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin or oyster sauce for extra depth
  • 1–2 eggs, lightly beaten (to scramble in at the end)

Method
 

  1. Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, honey, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and let it shimmer.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if your soy sauce is very low-sodium.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens. If using mushrooms or bell pepper, add them now and sauté until tender-crisp.
  5. Add the slaw: Toss in the coleslaw mix. Cook, tossing often, until the cabbage wilts but still has a little bite, 3–4 minutes.
  6. Sauce it up: Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook 1–2 more minutes to let flavors meld and any excess moisture reduce slightly.
  7. Optional eggs: Push the mixture to one side of the pan. Add a tiny drizzle of oil to the empty space. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until set, then fold into the slaw.
  8. Finish: Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust: add more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or sriracha for heat.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with sesame seeds and herbs if you like. Serve as-is, over cauliflower rice, steamed rice, or in lettuce cups.