How to Microwave Ground Turkey
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
1-2 minsFree Time
to make weeknight tacos
Cooking ground turkey in the microwave is shockingly easy and healthy. Just add a little water, chicken stock, or milk, and you can steam the ground turkey perfectly. This way, the meat stays juicy and tender, plus it's lower in fat compared to other meats. No need for oil, making your cooking cleaner and lighter. Perfect for tacos, bolognese, and more!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 4 oz (125g) ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon water, milk or stock
Preparation
- Add the ground turkey and water to the Anyday and mix until the water is fully incorporated. The liquid will help break down the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir the meat halfway through the cooking time, breaking down the turkey into smaller pieces. The turkey is cooked when it’s firm, pale, and no pink juices remain.
- Break down the meat into even smaller pieces and use a slotted spoon to discard the cooking liquids, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Add paprika, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any ready-to-use seasoning packs to enhance the flavors.
- Add fresh herbs, chopped garlic, diced onions, and peppers for a quick sauce base or empanada filling.
- Turn it into a topping for salads, rice bowls, or pasta casseroles.
Recipe notes
- Other ground meats such as beef, chicken, lamb, and even pork will work well, and you can even combine them if youd like.
- Even with added liquid, some meat lumps may occur. Break down the meat as it cooks using a fork.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Ground Turkey
See for yourself— microwaving ground turkey is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 5 mins |
| Stovetop* | 10-15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15-20 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Ground Turkey
How long does take to cook ground turkey in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz (125g) ground turkey | 1 tablespoon water, milk or stock | 1-2 mins |
| 8 oz (225g) ground turkey | 2 tablespoons water, milk or stock | 2-3 mins |
| 12 oz (350g) ground turkey | 3 tablespoons water, milk, or stock | 3-4 mins |
| 16 oz (450g) ground turkey | 1/4 cup (120ml) water, milk or stock | 4-5 mins |
| 24 oz (680g) ground turkey | 1/3 cup (80ml) water, milk or stock | 8-9 mins |
| 32 oz (907g) ground turkey | 1/2 cup (120ml) water, milk or stock | 11 mins |
It typically takes around 5 minutes per pound of ground turkey to cook in the microwave. To tell when the meat is cooked through, look for evenly pale and cooked-through pieces of meat. You can also test it by piercing a small piece with a fork — it should be tender, hot, and without any pink juices.
Is it safe to steam ground turkey in the microwave?
Yes, cooking in the microwave is very safe as long as you fully cook the meat. Steaming ground turkey is also a healthy option! It’s naturally lower in fat compared to other ground proteins, and the microwave doesn’t require oil or fat to cook.
Why do I need to add liquid when cooking ground turkey?
All proteins tend to clump together when cooking in the microwave. Ground turkey has a tendency to stick to itself even more than other ground meats like beef or lamb. We found that by adding liquid, it helps keep the meat more separated while it cooks so that it becomes easier to break apart. The more liquid you add, the smaller the lumps. The only risk in adding more liquid is diluted flavor, so be sure to make up for it by seasoning properly.
Why is there liquid in my Anyday after cooking ground turkey?
The leftover liquid in the Anyday after cooking is made of a blend of the initially added liquid, steam condensation generated during the cooking process, and any juices released from the meat. Even when cooking meat without additional liquid, a small amount of liquid may accumulate. To separate it, you can either strain it or use a slotted spoon.
How to freeze microwave-cooked ground turkey?
To freeze microwaved ground turkey, begin by microwaving the meat and allow it to cool. Transfer the cooked meat into 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays, and freeze it for future use. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen with added vegetables, or other ingredients such as sauces and seasonings for quick meal helpers.
Can I reheat frozen cooked ground turkey?
Place as many pucks of frozen ground turkey as needed in the Anyday and reheat for 1-2 minutes per puck or until heated through. Once reheated, season to taste or add to sauces, and casseroles or use as topping or taco fillings.
