If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and comfort-packed flavors, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal that comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that never feels rushed or boring. The tender ground turkey soaks up a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, complemented by crisp broccoli and sweet shredded carrots, creating a harmony of texture and flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in shaping the dish’s vibrant textures and mouthwatering tastes. From fresh veggies to pantry staples for the sauce, every element helps build layers of flavor and color in your stir fry.
- Soy sauce: Brings salty depth and umami to the teriyaki sauce, the backbone of this dish’s flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the soy sauce’s saltiness.
- Water (divided): Used to both create the sauce and dissolve the cornstarch for perfect thickening.
- Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness with a floral note, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory richness.
- Fresh ginger (grated or minced): Offers a zesty kick that brightens the overall flavor.
- Corn starch: Essential for thickening the teriyaki sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
- Orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus burst that lifts the sauce beautifully at the end.
- Ground turkey: The star protein here, lean and tender, ready to soak up all those bold flavors.
- Sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and richness to the cooking process.
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds crunch and bright green color for visual appeal and nutritional punch.
- Small onion (diced): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, providing a savory base note.
- Shredded carrots: Lends sweetness and a slight crispness that balances the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Rounds out and customizes the seasoning just right.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by mixing ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. This combination simmers and bubbles into a fragrant base that’s both sweet and savory. While it heats, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and cornstarch until smooth, then slowly stir it into the sauce so it thickens into a glossy glaze. Once thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the fresh orange zest for a pop of brightness that takes the sauce from simple to extraordinary.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Turkey
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until you notice it softening and releasing a sweet aroma—this builds the flavor foundation for your stir fry. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart and cooking until it’s no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 7-10 minutes). This step ensures your protein is perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Once the turkey is cooked through, toss in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Stir-fry the veggies just until they’re tender and heated through, keeping a slight crunch to celebrate their freshness. This balance adds great texture and visual appeal to your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over your stir fry. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the turkey and veggies in that luscious glaze. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully before removing from heat. Your home is now filled with an amazing aroma that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally. Toasted sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and nutty flair, while sliced green onions add a refreshing sharpness and burst of color. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili can add a pleasant kick without overpowering the teriyaki’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is a knockout served over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all that delicious teriyaki sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works perfectly too, absorbing the flavors without distracting from the main event. You can also pair it with simple steamed noodles or fresh, crunchy salad greens for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a handheld delight that adds an extra burst of freshness. Alternatively, pile it atop warm rice paper rolls or even use it as a filling for savory crepes or wraps. Presentation is about creativity—don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir fry keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just give it a quick stir before storing to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze the cooked stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve the texture of the veggies and the integrity of the teriyaki sauce.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the veggies to maintain their crunch and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef are great substitutes in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—beef might take a bit longer to brown, while chicken cooks a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing that classic teriyaki flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn all make fantastic additions that complement the flavors and add extra nutrients and color to the dish.
How spicy is the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, focusing on sweet and savory profiles. However, you can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chilies, or a dash of chili sauce to suit your preference.
What’s the best way to serve this for meal prep?
Portion the stir fry into individual containers with rice or a grain of your choice. This ensures each meal is balanced and flavorful, making weekday lunches or dinners a breeze to grab and go.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is truly a gem when you want something quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it delivers such vibrant flavors with minimal fuss. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever got through busy days without it on your dinner table!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring lean turkey cooked with fresh vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish perfect served over rice or your favorite grain.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 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 the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook and Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a low boil. Meanwhile, whisk together ¼ cup water and corn starch until completely dissolved to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken, then immediately remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside until ready to add to the stir fry.
- Cook the Aromatics and Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for several minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, cooking until heated through and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine with Teriyaki Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Simmer for several minutes to blend flavors and warm the dish through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
- You can substitute broccoli with other stir-fry vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying the brown sugar and soy sauce quantities according to taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content if desired.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
