If you’re searching for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between speedy weeknight comfort and bold, crave-worthy flavor, Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is absolutely it. This colorful skillet comes together in just about 25 minutes, but every bite feels deeply satisfying thanks to tender lean turkey and crisp, vibrant veggies all wrapped up in a glossy, sweet-and-savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s incredibly versatile, whether you crave a bowl over fluffy rice or want to keep it refreshing with cauliflower rice. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen for its irresistible flavor and total ease—once you try Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, it just might become your go-to as well!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a modest handful of ingredients can deliver such maximum flavor! Every single item here pulls its weight, whether it’s for juicy texture, zippy aromatics, or glossy sauce. Let’s get our stir fry lineup ready:
- Ground turkey: Lean and full of protein, it quickly soaks up seasonings and stays tender in the skillet.
- Sesame oil or olive oil: Sesame oil brings nutty depth, but olive oil will work for a lighter touch.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the stir fry with that irresistible, aromatic punch.
- Ginger: A little grated ginger adds a lively, aromatic heat that brightens the entire dish.
- Broccoli florets: Broccoli delivers crisp-tender crunch and becomes the perfect sauce sponge.
- Red bell pepper: This veggie adds a pop of color and natural sweetness in every bite.
- Shredded carrots: Their gentle sweetness and vibrant color make the stir fry feel extra inviting.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The essential base for our teriyaki sauce, providing savory umami with less salt.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either one creates that signature, subtly sweet teriyaki profile—use whichever you prefer!
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through richer flavors, balancing every bite.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): For those who adore a glossy, restaurant-style thick sauce.
- Green onions: Fresh, peppery, and perfect as a finishing touch for flavor and color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For that beautiful, nutty crunch in every sprinkle.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating your sesame or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, and let it sizzle, breaking it up with your spatula as it browns. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. If you notice extra fat, simply drain it off for a lighter stir fry. You want the turkey just cooked through, juicy, and ready to take on all the delicious flavors coming next!
Step 2: Add Aromatics—Garlic and Ginger
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in your minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. This is the moment when your kitchen smells incredible! Let the aromatics bloom for about a minute, stirring often so nothing burns. They’ll mingle with the turkey, laying down an essential base for that savory-sweet teriyaki flavor.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies
Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper slices, and shredded carrots straight into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat in those garlicky, gingery juices. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and lively in color. They should keep a bit of snap—you don’t want mushy veggies here!
Step 4: Whisk the Teriyaki Sauce
While the vegetables cook, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This easy homemade sauce is miles ahead of anything store-bought—balanced, glossy, and perfectly sweet and savory. If you like your sauce extra thick, whisk the cornstarch and water in a separate cup and have it ready.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour your teriyaki sauce mixture over the turkey and vegetables, stirring to get everything nice and saucy. If you opted to use the cornstarch slurry, pour it in now too. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats every bit of meat and veggies. Remove from heat, and stir in the fresh green onions.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scoop your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry onto bowls of hot rice or noodles, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that tempting final flair. This dish loves a little extra texture on top!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delicate crunch and nutty aroma, while extra sliced green onions give a fresh finish. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is delicious too. A drizzle of sriracha is great for those who love spice.
Side Dishes
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry shines with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or a cozy bed of noodles. For something lighter or low-carb, try serving it over cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups. If you want to round out the meal, quick-pickled cucumbers or a side of miso soup pair perfectly for a Japanese-style twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, place the skillet right on the table for everyone to scoop their own bowlful. Turn it into a rice bowl bar by setting out toppings like chopped peanuts, shredded nori, or extra veggies. You can even use the leftovers wrapped in lettuce or as hearty filling for a whole-grain wrap at lunch. This recipe is a blank slate for creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a superstar for meal prep lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes surprisingly well! For best results, store the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Lay bags flat for easy storage, and label with the date. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if things look dry. The microwave works in a pinch, just cover lightly and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep everything moist and tender. The flavors deepen overnight—sometimes the leftovers taste even better!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works very similarly, giving a slightly lighter taste, while beef will add a richer, bolder flavor. Use whichever protein you prefer or have on hand—Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is wonderfully adaptable to what’s in your fridge.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap in a certified gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos), and you’ve got a naturally gluten-free meal! Double check your other ingredients to be safe, especially if serving to guests.
Can I add extra or different veggies?
Of course—get creative! Snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or even thinly sliced cabbage are amazing additions. The recipe is flexible, so mix and match with your favorites or whatever needs to be used up in your fridge.
Is this dish spicy?
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry as written is gently savory with sweet notes from the sauce, but not spicy at all. If you love heat, feel free to add a squirt of sriracha, a few dashes of hot sauce, or sliced fresh chili when serving.
What’s the best way to meal prep this stir fry?
Make the stir fry as directed, cool it, and portion into airtight containers along with cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats quickly for speedy lunches or dinners during a busy week!
Final Thoughts
There’s something about a skillet of Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry that just makes dinnertime feel special, even on the busiest of evenings. Whether you’re looking for an easy family favorite, meal prep hero, or a reliable dish that’s full of flavor, I hope you’ll give it a try—here’s to saucy, veggie-packed, and utterly irresistible homemade stir fry!
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with flavor and colorful vegetables, making it a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 more minute. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce and Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour over the turkey and vegetables, stirring to combine. Optionally, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in green onions, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice.
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