Pin It This Korean-Style Turkey Mac & Cheese is a masterclass in fusion cooking, blending the soul-warming creaminess of a classic American side with the bold, vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine. Sweet and spicy gochujang-infused ground turkey adds a sophisticated kick to the velvet-smooth cheddar and mozzarella sauce, creating a dish that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Pin It Whether you are looking to spice up your regular dinner rotation or impress guests with a creative twist on a classic, this recipe delivers. The fresh crunch of sliced scallions and the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds provide the perfect finishing touch to this savory masterpiece.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- Sauce: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Korean-Style Turkey: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish: 4 scallions (thinly sliced), 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Roux
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
- Step 4: Brown the Turkey
- In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up meat, until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
- Step 5: Season the Turkey
- Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the turkey is well-coated and sauce is slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Combine
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated and creamy. Fold in half of the turkey mixture.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Divide the mac and cheese among serving bowls. Top each with remaining turkey crumbles, scallions, and sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 8: Final Touch
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest cheese sauce, ensure the milk is added gradually while whisking to prevent lumps. When cooking the turkey, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meat to get a good sear before stirring in the wet ingredients.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, or substitute ground chicken for the turkey. If you want to add more nutrition, steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers make excellent additions to the pasta mix.
Serviervorschläge
This fusion dish pairs beautifully with a crisp lager or a lightly chilled rosé. Serve it in deep bowls to keep the sauce warm, and don't skimp on the fresh scallions for that necessary burst of color and freshness.
Pin It This meal provides 540 calories, 32g of protein, and 52g of carbohydrates per serving, making it a robust and balanced dinner choice. Enjoy this flavorful journey into Korean-inspired comfort food!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cheese sauce and turkey mixture in separate containers, then reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
- → What can I substitute for gochujang?
If unavailable, mix red pepper flakes with a small amount of miso paste and honey to approximate the fermented heat and sweetness. Sriracha with a touch of sesame oil works as an alternative.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is medium and adjustable. Gochujang provides mild to moderate heat, while optional red pepper flakes can increase the spice. Reduce gochujang by half for a milder version.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, or penne capture the cheese sauce well. The turkey topping works with any pasta shape that has nooks to hold the creamy sauce.
- → Is this freezer-friendly?
The turkey mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. However, the cheese sauce may separate upon freezing. For best results, freeze only the seasoned turkey and prepare fresh cheese sauce when ready to serve.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure your gochujang and soy sauce are certified gluten-free varieties.