If you’re craving a delicious dinner that comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor, I am beyond excited to share this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe with you. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that balances tender, juicy ground turkey with crisp, colorful vegetables enveloped in a glossy, irresistibly sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and vibrant tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. Simple enough for busy evenings but impressive enough to serve to guests, this dish truly shines as an all-around winner in my recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering all your ingredients ahead of time makes cooking this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe a breeze. Each component plays a special role in flavor, texture, or color, resulting in a wholesome balanced dish you’ll love.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly while soaking up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Adds a subtle nutty richness that complements the teriyaki flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provide vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch to the stir fry.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Brings sweetness and a pop of bright red that livens up the plate.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Offers a zingy freshness that cuts through richness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, keeping things balanced and savory.
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally, creating that classic teriyaki harmony.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens each bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce to a lovely, glossy consistency.
- Optional toppings – sesame seeds, sliced green onions, red pepper flakes: Perfect for adding extra crunch, freshness, and a bit of heat if you like.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating your sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial because browning creates rich flavor and ensures your turkey is juicy and well-cooked.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just 1 minute until they become fragrant and aromatic. Then toss in the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Sauté everything together for 4 to 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly while still retaining their crunch and vibrant color.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry. Pour this luscious sauce into your skillet and stir everything to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly. The sauce is where all those flavors come to life, draping every ingredient in that signature glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki finish.
Step 4: Simmer to Thicken
Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickening to a perfect consistency that clings lovingly to every morsel. This final simmer intensifies the flavors and means your stir fry is ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor burst, while sliced green onions bring a fresh, peppery note to brighten the dish. If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes takes it to the next level. These garnishes not only make your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe look stunning but also add layers of flavor that personalize it just the way you like.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when served on a bed of fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles like udon or rice noodles, which soak up every bit of teriyaki sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or sautéed greens make fantastic sides that keep the meal light but satisfying. Whichever you choose, pairing it with the right side enhances the textures and makes the meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little creative? Try serving your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on experience. You could also pack it into warm pita pockets or hearty wraps for an easy grab-and-go lunch. The versatility of this dish means it works wonderfully for casual family dinners or stylish gatherings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which honestly might not happen because it’s that good—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a perfect next-day meal or quick snack.
Freezing
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to evenly heat without drying out the turkey or veggies. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the dish lean and light, you can substitute ground chicken, pork, or even beef depending on your preference. Each meat will bring its own unique flavor but the teriyaki sauce will still shine through beautifully.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives provide similar salty-sweet notes without gluten, allowing everyone to enjoy this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe safely.
What vegetables work best other than broccoli and bell peppers?
This recipe is very adaptable! Snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn all make excellent choices. Feel free to use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand to keep the dish vibrant and tasty.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. That way, when it’s time to cook, everything comes together faster.
Can I make this stir fry spicy?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes to the cooking process or top your finished dish with sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce. It’s easy to adjust the heat level to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe enough; it’s the kind of meal that warms you up, nourishes you, and feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re a busy parent, a seasoned home cook, or simply someone who appreciates a tasty dinner without fuss, this recipe is a brilliant choice. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite on your weekly dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry featuring tender ground turkey and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory teriyaki sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner with classic Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Oils
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse flavor into the turkey.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Simmer to Thicken: Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and glazes the stir fry ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the teriyaki stir fry hot over rice or noodles. Top with optional sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
- You can swap in other vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on preference.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Use honey or brown sugar interchangeably depending on your sweetness preference.
