Save Brighten up your dinner table with these Korean-Style Turkey Stuffed Sweet Peppers, a vibrant fusion dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Sweet mini peppers are roasted until tender and filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, aromatic ginger, and gochujang, then finished with a layer of bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you are looking for a unique appetizer or a healthy main course, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.
Save The combination of tender-crisp peppers and savory turkey makes this dish a standout. It is light enough for an appetizer tray yet satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal when paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 16–20 mini sweet peppers (about 500 g), halved and seeded
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Arrange the halved mini sweet peppers on the baking sheet, cut side up.
- Step 3
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and green onions for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
- Step 5
- Stir in the grated carrot, soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.
- Step 6
- Spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Step 7
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers.
- Step 8
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Step 9
- Remove from the oven and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For those who enjoy a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture while cooking. This adds a spicy layer that complements the sweetness of the honey and peppers.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile; you can easily substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred. For a dairy-free or vegan version, omit the cheese entirely or use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
Serviervorschläge
To turn these stuffed peppers into a full meal, serve them alongside a bowl of steamed rice or a fresh, crisp salad. They also make an excellent addition to a party spread as a flavorful finger food.
Save These Korean-Style Turkey Stuffed Sweet Peppers are a delicious way to mix up your routine with bold, international flavors. Simple to prepare and beautiful to serve, they are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it refrigerated. Stuff the peppers and add cheese just before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.
- → What can I substitute for gochujang?
Sriracha mixed with a teaspoon of miso paste works well, or use red pepper flakes with a touch of tomato paste. For a milder option, try Korean doenjang or even harissa for a different flavor profile.
- → Are these stuffed peppers spicy?
They have mild to medium heat from the gochujang. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste, or incorporate red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
- → Can I use regular bell peppers instead?
Absolutely. Cut full-sized bell peppers into quarters or use whole peppers halved lengthwise. You may need to increase baking time by 5-10 minutes for larger peppers to become tender.
- → What should I serve with these stuffed peppers?
Steamed jasmine rice creates a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad, kimchi, or simple roasted vegetables. For lighter fare, serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. The texture is best when reheated in the oven.