Name: recipe ground turkey and zucchini skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500g (1.1lb) Ground Turkey: lean protein base; 300g (10oz) Zucchini: sliced into half-moons; 150g (5oz) Onion: diced, aromatic base; 2 Cloves Garlic: minced, flavor enhancer; 150g (5oz) Red Bell Pepper: diced, adds sweetness and color; 1 tsp (5g) Ground Cumin: warm, earthy spice; 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor; ½ tsp (2g) Chili Flakes: for heat, adjust to taste; Salt and Pepper: to taste; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: for sautéing; ¼ cup (60ml) Water/Broth: for steaming; 3 Tbsp (45g) Tahini: creamy, nutty sauce base; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon Juice: brightens the sauce; 1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil (for sauce): adds richness; 1 Clove Garlic (for sauce): subtle garlic note; ½ tsp (2g) Ground Cumin (for sauce): reinforces cumin flavor; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Water (for sauce): adjusts sauce consistency; Pinch of Salt (for sauce): enhances sauce flavors; 2 Tbsp (20g) Pine Nuts: toasted, adds crunch; 2 Tbsp (8g) Parsley: chopped, fresh aroma

Description

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and healthy one-pan meal, featuring a vibrant Lemon-Tahini Swirl for a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1.1lb) Ground Turkey: lean protein base
300g (10oz) Zucchini: sliced into half-moons
150g (5oz) Onion: diced, aromatic base
2 Cloves Garlic: minced, flavor enhancer
150g (5oz) Red Bell Pepper: diced, adds sweetness and color
1 tsp (5g) Ground Cumin: warm, earthy spice
1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor
½ tsp (2g) Chili Flakes: for heat, adjust to taste
Salt and Pepper: to taste
2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: for sautéing
¼ cup (60ml) Water/Broth: for steaming
3 Tbsp (45g) Tahini: creamy, nutty sauce base
2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon Juice: brightens the sauce
1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil (for sauce): adds richness
1 Clove Garlic (for sauce): subtle garlic note
½ tsp (2g) Ground Cumin (for sauce): reinforces cumin flavor
2 Tbsp (30ml) Water (for sauce): adjusts sauce consistency
Pinch of Salt (for sauce): enhances sauce flavors
2 Tbsp (20g) Pine Nuts: toasted, adds crunch
2 Tbsp (8g) Parsley: chopped, fresh aroma

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil, sauté onion until translucent (3-4 minutes).
Bloom Spices: Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes; cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
Brown Turkey: Add turkey, cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
Add Vegetables: Toss in zucchini and bell pepper, season, add water/broth.
Steam Vegetables: Cover and steam until zucchini is tender-crisp (8-10 minutes).
Make Sauce: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, oil, garlic, cumin, water, and salt until smooth.
Combine & Glaze: Stir half the sauce into the skillet.
Swirl & Garnish: Drizzle remaining sauce, garnish with pine nuts and parsley.
Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly minced garlic and lemon juice. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: ground turkey,zucchini,skillet,one-pan,healthy,lemon tahini,middle eastern,quick dinner,easy recipe