Save to Pinterest Bring a burst of color and bold Korean flavors to your table with these Korean-Style Turkey Stuffed Sweet Peppers. This dish perfectly balances the natural sweetness of mini peppers with a savory, spicy ground turkey filling, finished with a layer of gooey melted mozzarella for an irresistible fusion experience.
Save to Pinterest The combination of gochujang, honey, and soy sauce creates a rich glaze for the turkey that is savory with a hint of sweetness and heat. Baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone looking for a flavorful twist on a classic meal.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 12–16 sweet mini peppers
- Meat: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 green onions (thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish)
- Sauce & Seasoning: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tbsp honey, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toppings: 3/4 cup (75 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: Prepare Peppers
- Slice mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Arrange pepper halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: Brown the Turkey
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until just browned (about 5 minutes).
- Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
- Add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Season the Filling
- Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each pepper half, pressing gently to fill.
- Step 7: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the stuffed peppers.
- Step 8: Bake
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with extra green onion and toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra spicy kick, you can add 1 tsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the turkey mixture. Ensure that you remove all seeds from the mini peppers to create a smooth cavity for the filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken or beef if preferred. For a dairy-free version, simply use a vegan mozzarella substitute or omit the cheese entirely to let the savory meat filling stand on its own.
Serviervorschläge
These peppers are excellent when served alongside a bowl of steamed white rice or a crisp green salad. For a party setting, serve them on a large platter as a vibrant, easy-to-grab appetizer.
Save to Pinterest With their colorful appearance and complex flavor profile, these Korean-Style Turkey Stuffed Sweet Peppers are a healthy and delicious way to shake up your dinner routine. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey filling and clean the peppers up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, stuff the peppers and bake fresh for best results.
- → What can I substitute for gochujang?
If you don't have gochujang, you can use sriracha mixed with a teaspoon of miso paste, or red pepper flakes with a touch of tomato paste. The flavor won't be exactly the same but will still provide a spicy kick.
- → How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
These have a mild to medium spice level from the gochujang. You can easily adjust the heat by adding gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for more spice or reducing the gochujang for a milder version.
- → Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What other proteins work in this filling?
Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work beautifully with these Korean seasonings. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative with the same sauce mixture.