Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas recipe—a quick, flavorful dish inspired by the vibrant Thai larb. It’s a harmonious medley of golden turkey, crisp snap peas, and fresh herbs that delights the palate.
The tangy lime juice and umami-rich fish sauce create a bright, bold sauce balanced by a subtle heat from red-pepper flakes. A sprinkle of nuts adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish a textural delight.
Perfectly versatile, this skillet meal pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or flatbread. It’s a wholesome, vibrant recipe destined to become a household favorite.
Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas: Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: The star of this dish, its rich, golden sear adds a savory depth and hearty texture.
- Sugar Snap Peas: Crisp and sweet, they bring freshness and vibrant green color to the skillet.
- Lime Juice: A zesty burst that brightens every bite with tangy citrus notes.
- Fish Sauce: This umami powerhouse ties the flavors together with a bold, savory richness.
- Red Onion: Softened to perfection, its caramelized sweetness balances the spice.
- Fresh Herbs: A fragrant mix of mint and cilantro infuses the dish with aromatic freshness.
- Red-Pepper Flakes: A subtle kick of heat that elevates the bold, zesty flavor profile.
Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas
Inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of a Thai larb, this easy skillet meal pairs nuggets of golden ground turkey with sugar snap peas and a mound of fresh herbs. The sauce, a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and red-pepper flakes, makes everything taste both bright and deep, while an optional sprinkling of chopped nuts adds richness and crunch. Serve over rice or rice noodles, or with flatbread.
Recipe Tips
- Perfecting the Sauce: Balance is key for the sauce in this dish. Start with the suggested amounts of lime juice, fish sauce, and red-pepper flakes, then adjust to taste. For a milder dish, reduce the red-pepper flakes. For a sweeter profile, add a touch of honey or brown sugar.
- Crisping the Turkey: To achieve golden, crispy bits of ground turkey, avoid stirring too often while cooking. Let the meat sit undisturbed for a minute or two before breaking it up. This adds both texture and flavor to the dish.
- Snap Pea Texture: If you prefer your sugar snap peas to retain their crunch, cook them for no more than 3 minutes. For a softer texture, steam for an additional 2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook and lose their vibrant color.
What to Serve with Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The aromatic and slightly sticky nature of jasmine rice pairs beautifully with the zesty and savory flavors of this dish. The rice also helps to absorb the delicious sauce.
- Rice Noodles: For a noodle-based variation, serve this dish over wide rice noodles. Toss the noodles lightly with sesame oil before adding the turkey and snap peas for added depth of flavor.
- Flatbread: For a non-traditional yet satisfying pairing, serve the skillet meal with warm, soft flatbread. The bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful turkey and peas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes while maintaining the dish’s bold flavors. - What can I use instead of fish sauce?
Coconut aminos or soy sauce are excellent alternatives. You can also try tamari for a gluten-free option. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of fish sauce. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red-pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce. For an extra kick, drizzle sriracha or chili oil on top before serving.
Spicy Skillet Ground Turkey and Snap Peas
Inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of a Thai larb, this easy skillet meal pairs nuggets of golden ground turkey with sugar snap peas and a mound of fresh herbs. The sauce, a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and red-pepper flakes, makes everything taste both bright and deep, while an optional sprinkling of chopped nuts adds richness and crunch. Serve over rice or rice noodles, or with flatbread.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion halved and thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 pound ground turkey
- Salt as needed
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from 2 to 3 limes, more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or coconut aminos or soy sauce, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- ½ cup torn mint leaves more for topping
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil more for topping
- 3 scallions thinly sliced, dark green parts saved for topping
- 1 pound sugar snap peas trimmed
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted cashews or peanuts optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions and Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and red onion slices to the skillet, cooking until softened and deeply browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Crumble in the ground turkey with a pinch of salt, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey turns crisp and dark brown, approximately 8 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce and Add Snap Peas: While the turkey is browning, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, red-pepper flakes, torn mint leaves, cilantro, and the light and white parts of the scallions. Pour the sauce into the skillet and add the sugar snap peas. Toss to combine. Cover the skillet and let the snap peas steam until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce, lime juice, or salt as needed. Stir in the chopped cashews or peanuts, if using. Garnish with more torn mint leaves, chopped cilantro, and the dark green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately.
