Tantalizing Turkey Mince Noodles: A Delight
Crisp-fried turkey mince in a chili, soy, and garlic sauce served over noodles creates a tasty 20-minute meal that’s low in fat but rich in taste. Enjoy the lean turkey mince and cabbage in this simple, feel-good meal perfect for any day of the week.
This simple and tasty Asian recipe uses turkey mince for a quick meal. Cooking it with chilli, soy sauce, and garlic adds great flavour, while cabbage provides crunch and fibre. It’s a healthy option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights.
When cabbage is in season, I love to use it in a variety of recipes. From soups and stir-fries to salads and side dishes, I incorporate it in many ways. I often chop it and freeze it for easy access whenever needed.
Each year, I aim to expand my collection with more cabbage recipes. If you enjoy this dish with turkey mince, you’ll also love a refreshing cabbage salad or a hearty cabbage soup for a tasty addition to your meals.
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I love cooking quick, autumn-inspired meals that are easy to make and taste incredible. Using simple, seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, pumpkin, beans, and apples, along with cabbage, I can create delicious fall recipes for my family. Sharing these homemade autumn dishes makes for special meals that we all enjoy.
Watch Us Make the Recipe
Expert Tips
Cook the Turkey Mince Well: Brown the turkey mince completely to improve its taste and texture.
Prep Cabbage Properly: Shred or slice the cabbage thinly so it cooks evenly and mixes well with the other ingredients.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Make sure the noodles are firm but cooked through to avoid them becoming mushy.
Why this recipe works
This recipe works because it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. Turkey mince provides protein, while cabbage adds texture and garlic, chilli, and soy sauce deliver great flavour. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy mums, and ideal for days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions for the ingredients, with extra information on cooking times:
- Sesame Oil: Use vegetable oil or olive oil. Cooking times remain the same.
- Turkey Mince: Substitute with ground chicken, pork, or beef. Cook all these proteins until browned and fully cooked, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available. Add garlic powder with the other seasonings, usually at the beginning of cooking.
- Cabbage or Pak Choi: Use spinach, bok choy, or broccoli slaw. Spinach wilts quickly, so add it in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Bok choy and broccoli slaw should be added with the noodles and cooked until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Green Onions: Substitute with chives or shallots. Chives can be added raw or at the end of cooking for garnish. Shallots should be cooked until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Instant Noodles: Use rice noodles, udon noodles, or spaghetti. Cooking times vary: rice noodles typically need 4-5 minutes, udon noodles 2-4 minutes, and spaghetti around 8-10 minutes.
Turkey Mince Noodle Sauce:
- Oyster Sauce: Use hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce. These alternatives have a similar cooking time when added to the dish, typically with the other sauces.
- Light Soy Sauce: Substitute with dark soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free). Dark soy sauce will give a richer color and slightly different flavor, but cooking times remain the same.
- Sesame Oil: Use vegetable oil or olive oil. The cooking process is the same as with sesame oil.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup. Add these with the other liquids, and they will integrate into the sauce just as quickly.
- Chili Powder: Use red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, adding at the same time as other spices.
How to make Turkey Noodles Stir-Fry
Check out our handy guide with step-by-step photos to help you along the way and make the most of this noodle recipe!
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 500 grams of turkey mince and break it up with a spatula. Stir in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the cooked turkey mince from the pan and set it aside. In the meantime cook 3 cakes instant noodles until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups of cabbage (or Pak Choi) and 4 green onions, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the cooked turkey mince back into the pan and stir to combine.
Add the cooked instant noodles to the pan. Pour in the sauce (made with 4 tbsp oyster sauce, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp chili powder). Toss gently to coat the noodles.
Portion the Turkey Mince Noodles into bowls. Top with extra green onions or sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe variations to explore
There are numerous delicious variations you can try with turkey mince and noodles. Here are a few ideas:
Asian-style Stir-Fry: In a wok or skillet, stir-fry turkey mince with garlic, ginger, and vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of oyster sauce for flavour. Serve over cooked noodles.
Spicy Turkey Bolognese: Cook turkey mince with onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian herbs like basil and oregano, and add a kick of spice with chilli flakes or cayenne pepper. Toss the bolognese sauce with your preferred noodles.
Thai Basil Turkey Noodles: Sauté the minced turkey with garlic and onions. Stir in a sauce made from fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Add fresh basil leaves and sliced bell peppers. Serve over rice noodles or egg noodles.
Mediterranean Turkey Pasta: Brown turkey mince with onions and garlic. Mix in diced tomatoes, olives, and capers. Season with herbs like oregano and basil. Toss the sauce with cooked penne or spaghetti noodles.
Mexican Turkey Taco Pasta: Cook turkey mince with taco seasoning, onions, and bell peppers. Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and simmer until the flavours meld. Serve the taco-flavoured turkey over cooked pasta, and top with shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Creamy Turkey Stroganoff: Sauté turkey mince with mushrooms and onions. Add beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. Let it simmer until the flavours combine. Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles.
Other Asian-inspired recipes
How to decorate Turkey Mince Noodles
Garnishing turkey mince noodles can add an extra pop of flavour and visual appeal to your dish. Here’s a simple guide on how to garnish turkey mince noodles:
- Fresh Herbs: Chop cilantro, parsley, or basil and sprinkle over the noodles before serving for a fresh taste.
- Green Onions: Slice green onions diagonally and scatter them over the noodles for a mild onion taste and added visual appeal.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast sesame seeds until golden brown and sprinkle them over the noodles for a nutty taste and crunch.
- Lime or Lemon Wedges: Cut lime or lemon into wedges. Squeeze a wedge over the noodles before serving for a bright, tangy kick.
- Chilli Flakes or Sriracha: Add chilli flakes or drizzle Sriracha for heat, adjusting based on your spice preference.
- Thinly Sliced Vegetables: Slice bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers into thin strips and arrange on top of the noodles for crunch and added visual appeal.
- Fried Shallots or Garlic: Fry thinly sliced shallots or garlic until crispy and use as a topping for extra crunch and rich taste.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you’re looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas, we’ve got you covered! Check out these mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying:
- Easy Sweet and Sour Vegetable Stir Fry
- Baked Aubergine with Yogurt Dressing
- Gnocchi made easy with Pesto and Zucchini
- Quick and Easy Chicken Noodles
- Easy Pancetta and Zucchini Pasta
- How to make Turkish Meatballs with Hasselback Potatoes
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Turkey Mince Noodles
Equipment
- Large Pot: To boil the noodles.
- Strainer/Colander: To drain the cooked noodles.
- Skillet/Frying Pan: To cook the turkey mince.
- Wooden Spoon/Spatula: To stir and break up the turkey mince while cooking.
- Knife: To chop vegetables or other ingredients, if needed.
- Cutting Board: To chop vegetables or other ingredients, if needed.
- Tongs: To handle the noodles or turkey mince while cooking.
- Serving Spoon/Fork: To serve the finished dish.
- Bowl/Plate: To serve the cooked noodles and turkey mince.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 500 grams turkey mince or ground pork or beef
- 2-3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 cups cabbage (or Pak Choi) cut into long thin pieces
- 4 green onions roots and tips trimmed, cut into small segments
- 3 cakes instant noodles
Turkey Mince Noodle Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 4 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey Mince:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the turkey mince to the pan and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.500 grams turkey mince, 2-3 cloves garlic
- Remove the cooked turkey mince from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Instant Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the instant noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente.3 cakes instant noodles
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Turkey Mince Noodle Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.4 tablespoons oyster sauce, 4 tablespoons light soy sauce, 3 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chili powder
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same frying pan or wok used for the turkey mince, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.2 cups cabbage (or Pak Choi), 4 green onions, 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Add the cabbage and green onions to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked turkey mince back to the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked instant noodles to the pan and pour the prepared Turkey Mince Noodle Sauce toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are coated in the sauce.
Serve:
- Divide the Turkey Mince Noodles into individual serving bowls.
- Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
