If you’re searching for a vibrant, quick, and incredibly tasty weeknight meal, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is a total game-changer. Bursting with colorful veggies and a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce, it brings together the juicy ground turkey and crisp vegetables in a symphony of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish delivers that comforting homemade feel with a fresh, wholesome twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender ground turkey to the fresh veggies that add crunch and color, to the perfectly balanced sauce that brings it all together.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean and flavorful, it soaks up all the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A heart-healthy fat for sautéing the turkey and veggies evenly.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the stir fry.
- Bell pepper, sliced (1): Brightens the dish with sweetness and vivid red or yellow color.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Offers satisfying crunch and earthy notes.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Adds a fresh and tender crispness that complements the meat.
- Large carrot, thinly sliced (1): Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce with less sodium.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Gives a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Introduces a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature to teriyaki dishes.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Provides warmth and spice, elevating the flavor complexity.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce beautifully for that glossy finish.
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Offers a subtle crunch and nutty accent on top.
- Cooked rice (for serving): A comforting base that makes this dish a satisfying meal.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant — this forms a flavorful foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, it’s time for all those vibrant veggies. Toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy turkey.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe, delivering the perfect blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavors. Pour this mixture directly into the skillet over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To get that satisfying, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully—this step takes your stir fry to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the hot Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an eye-catching and flavor-packed finish.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that elevate this dish in flavor and presentation. The fresh bite of green onions cuts through the richness, while the toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
Though this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is fantastic on its own over steamed rice, pairing it with sides like a simple cucumber salad or miso soup makes for a complete and balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside lightly sautéed bok choy or even toss some edamame on the side for extra protein and fiber.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the stir fry in crisp lettuce cups for a handheld, crunchy variation, or pile it high inside warm steamed buns. Wrapping it in large collard greens as a low-carb option also works beautifully and adds a fresh twist to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe store wonderfully. Transfer any remaining stir fry along with rice into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for an even longer time, freeze the cooked stir fry without rice to maintain the best texture. Pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and avoid drying out the turkey and vegetables. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce looks too thick or sticky. Freshening it up with a sprinkle of green onions right before serving helps revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fine substitute that will provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can cook a bit faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stir fry?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground turkey for firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu before stir-frying to get a crispy exterior that soaks up the teriyaki sauce nicely.
Can I make this stir fry in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Cook the stir fry fresh for best flavor, or fully cook it up to 24 hours in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What kind of rice works best with this recipe?
Jasmine rice or steamed white rice pair beautifully with this dish because they have a slightly sweet aroma and fluffy texture that complements the savory-sweet teriyaki flavors.
How spicy is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mild and perfect for all palates. If you want some heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce during cooking or as a garnish to amp it up.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is truly one of those easy-to-love meals that has it all: speedy prep, wholesome ingredients, and incredible flavor. It’s a fantastic option to brighten up your dinner routine without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it will likely become a fast favorite for you too.
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry featuring lean ground turkey and colorful vegetables tossed in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice. This dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, combining sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Cooking Oils and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release the aroma.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrot to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Pour the sauce evenly over the turkey and vegetables, stirring to coat all ingredients.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it coats the stir fry nicely.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the teriyaki stir fry hot, spooned over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Use any preferred vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for variety.
- To make this gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-calorie option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
