Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a healthy, vibrant weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ll absolutely love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Packed with crisp veggies, tender ground turkey, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes flat. Whether you’re a stir fry pro or a total beginner, you’ll find this recipe forgiving, flexible, and guaranteed to deliver a satisfying bowl every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry lies in its fresh, colorful ingredients and the irresistible sauce that brings everything together. Each component plays a crucial role, so here’s a quick look at why you’ll want to gather these up before you get started.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral base for sautéing, ensuring the turkey and veggies cook evenly without overpowering flavors.
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and tender, it soaks up the homemade teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Adds a savory punch and classic stir fry aroma—freshly minced is best.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for zing and warmth, it’s the secret to that unmistakable teriyaki flavor.
- Broccoli florets: For a pop of green and crunch; they absorb the sauce and brighten up your bowl.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, juicy, and bold in color, these strips add both flavor and visual appeal.
- Carrot: Julienned for a touch of sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce—low-sodium keeps things light.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang, rounding out the complexity of the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Deep, nutty notes that are essential for authentic stir fry flavor—just a splash goes a long way.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This slurry thickens the sauce to that glossy, clingy finish you crave.
- Green onions: Sliced and stirred in at the end for fresh, oniony brightness.
- Sesame seeds: A simple garnish that adds a pop of crunch and visual flair.
- Cooked rice: The perfect bed to soak up all that saucy deliciousness—use your favorite type.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks, letting it brown for about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off so your stir fry doesn’t get greasy. The goal is juicy, golden turkey that’s ready to soak up those delicious flavors coming next!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Scoot the turkey to the side or make a little well, then add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir everything for about a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. This step builds the fragrant base that makes Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry so irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Toss in your broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. You want them to retain their color and a bit of bite—they’ll finish cooking as the sauce simmers.
Step 4: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Pour this mixture over your turkey and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes—watch as the sauce thickens and glazes the entire skillet in shiny, savory goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in your sliced green onions. Serve the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hot over bowls of fluffy cooked rice, then top with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a touch of crunch.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
A simple shower of sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions is all you need to finish this dish with flair. If you want a little heat, add a few red pepper flakes or a squiggle of sriracha for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is satisfying on its own with rice, but you can round out your meal with a side of steamed edamame, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or even a bowl of miso soup. For a low-carb twist, serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held meal. You could also spoon it into meal prep containers with your favorite grain for easy grab-and-go lunches. Feeling fancy? Pile the stir fry over a bed of rice in a shallow bowl, sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds, and arrange extra veggies artfully on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry keeps really well in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to become even richer as they mingle overnight, making leftovers a treat!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, too. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot throughout. Just be careful not to overcook, so the veggies stay crisp-tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even beef work beautifully in this recipe. If you prefer plant-based, try crumbled tofu or a vegan ground meat substitute for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses soy sauce, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and you’ll still get that delicious umami flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible—snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn are all great additions. Use whatever you have on hand, or mix and match to your heart’s content.
What kind of rice should I serve with this stir fry?
Any rice will do—white, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. The important part is having something to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce!
How spicy is this dish?
As written, Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is mild and family-friendly. If you like a little heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha either in the sauce or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy nights or when you just want something delicious and nourishing. Give it a try, and let your taste buds do a happy dance!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a flavorful, healthy, and quick Asian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, tossed in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, it offers a nutritious and satisfying dinner option that can be served over rice.
Ingredients
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish and Serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry until smooth.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the ingredients.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the sliced green onions.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki ground turkey stir fry hot over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- You can swap the vegetables for any stir-fry mix you prefer, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicier dish.
- This recipe works well with ground chicken or beef as an alternative to turkey.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
