If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in no time, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with tender ground turkey, vibrant veggies, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying or a meal that’ll impress guests without the fuss, this recipe checks all the boxes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in making this dish so irresistible. From the savory soy sauce to the fresh zing of ginger, every single component contributes depth and vibrant color to the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): The salty backbone that brings that signature umami punch.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds subtle caramel sweetness to balance the savory elements perfectly.
- Water (1 cup, divided): Used to create the perfect consistency for the sauce and the cornstarch slurry.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): For a natural sweetness that rounds out the teriyaki glaze.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated or minced): Brings a bright, peppery zest to enhance the dish’s freshness.
- Corn starch (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect sticky texture.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Imparts a lively citrus aroma that elevates the teriyaki flavor to the next level.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): The star protein, lean and tender, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a nutty, toasty note that complements the stir fry beautifully.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, fresh or frozen): For crunch, vivid green color, and a nutrient boost.
- Small onion (1, diced): Sweetness and texture that melds perfectly with the other vegetables.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): A pop of orange and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors just right.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir this mixture to meld the flavors and bring it to a low boil.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Next, whisk together ¼ cup water with the cornstarch until fully dissolved to create a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the boiling sauce and watch it thicken to a beautiful glossy glaze. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the orange zest for a fresh citrus kick. Set this sauce aside; it’s the magic touch for your stir fry.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Turkey
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until just soft and fragrant, about a few minutes. Now add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F, around 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook everything together until the vegetables are tender but still have a little snap, which adds wonderful texture to this dish.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Turn the heat down to low, then pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Give everything a good stir, allowing the sauce to coat all the ingredients. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so all those flavors can meld beautifully. Now your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top to add a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavor with every bite. These simple garnishes make your dish look as good as it tastes and bring a satisfying contrast to the tender turkey and veggies.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when served over fluffy steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up that sticky teriyaki sauce perfectly. You can also opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter or more protein-packed option that complements the dish’s texture and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe inside crispy lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal. Or, pile it onto whole wheat wraps with some crunchy cucumbers and a drizzle of spicy mayo to reinvent it as a vibrant Asian-inspired sandwich. The choices are endless and all equally tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option that reheats wonderfully without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it even longer, freeze the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in portioned freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help revive the sauce’s silky texture. This dish tastes just as delicious the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef would both work well, though turkey keeps it light and healthy. Just adjust cooking times if using beef to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
How do I know when the ground turkey is fully cooked?
Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. Cooking it until it’s no longer pink and is nicely browned also indicates it’s ready to go.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce in this recipe?
If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos make excellent gluten-free and soy-free alternatives while still providing that essential savory umami flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts are all great additions that bring extra texture and nutrients, making the dish even more colorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicy?
This version is mild, focusing on sweet and savory notes. To add some heat, toss in red pepper flakes, diced fresh chili, or a splash of sriracha when you add the sauce for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish that’s both simple and packed with vibrant flavors, and this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal any night of the week without spending hours cooking. Give it a try and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry featuring tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this healthy and savory dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ cup water (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ cup water (for corn starch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Bring the mixture to a low boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and corn starch until fully dissolved to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry into the boiling sauce while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken, then immediately remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics and Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for several minutes until softened. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are heated through and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly and let simmer for several minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hot over rice or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey to taste.
- Ensure ground turkey reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
- You can substitute turkey with chicken or tofu for variation.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
