Let me introduce you to a delightful dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor: the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe. This vibrant stir fry combines lean ground turkey with crisp, colorful veggies all drenched in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours crafting it. Whether you’re craving something healthy or simply love Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role, from lending texture and color to enriching the sauce’s deep, tangy-sweet profile.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): The star protein here, juicy and lean, making for a lighter stir fry.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For a quick sauté that adds subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Bell pepper, sliced (1): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red or yellow color to brighten the plate.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): A nutrient powerhouse that brings satisfying crispness and earthiness.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Offering a fresh pop of sweetness and crunch in every bite.
- Carrot, thinly sliced (1 large): Thin slices cook quickly and introduce subtle sweetness along with beautiful orange hues.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty, umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the salty soy with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a slight tang to elevate the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way; it contributes a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Warms the flavor profile with its gentle spiciness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): This slurry thickens the sauce so it beautifully coats every morsel.
- Green onions, chopped: For garnishing and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and lovely toasty flavor for finishing touches.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your ground turkey and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. This is where the savory foundation of your dish is built, so let that meat develop some color. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, releasing that irresistible garlic fragrance which signals good things to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Fresh Vegetables
Next, toss in the bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots. These vegetables add color, nutrition, and crunch, giving the stir fry that wonderful balance of textures. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re crisp-tender—just tender enough to retain their vibrant bite without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
While your veggies are cooking, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a small bowl. This homemade teriyaki sauce is what elevates this dish beyond your average stir fry. Pour it evenly over the turkey and vegetables, stirring well so every piece gets coated in that glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Combine the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and add it to your skillet. Stir vigorously for about one to two minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly clingy. This step ensures the sauce doesn’t just stay watery but instead hugs every ingredient lovingly.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once your sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, take the pan off the heat. Serve this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe piping hot over bowls of fluffy cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a few sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture—trust me, that garnish makes all the difference.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions add a light crunch and fresh flavor that cut through the richness of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds are wonderful for a final nutty crunch and visual appeal. You might also consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or a squeeze of fresh lime for a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic served over steamed white or brown rice, but it also pairs beautifully with quinoa or even noodles for a twist. For a low-carb option, try it over cauliflower rice. Complement the meal with a side of miso soup or a simple cucumber salad to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Presented in vibrant bowls or on decorative plates with neat piles of rice beside the turkey and vegetable mixture makes for an inviting meal. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a large dish allowing everyone to scoop what they like and customize with extra garnishes. Wrapping the stir fry in lettuce cups is another fun, hands-on way to enjoy this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place portioned stir fry in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember that vegetables might soften slightly after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce during reheating helps revive the sauce’s consistency so it’s just as tasty as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe and will deliver similar texture and flavors, though turkey tends to be slightly leaner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn—just adjust the cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish. Sriracha sauce on the side is also a delicious option.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
While the current recipe relies on ground turkey, you can substitute with firm tofu or tempeh cubes and follow the same steps for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a quick, home-cooked meal that feels hearty, healthy, and full of flavor—and this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe absolutely hits all those marks. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it’s easy, colorful, and downright delicious. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and give it a try—you might just have a new favorite on your hands!
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 flavorful and healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry featuring lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick skillet dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Teriyaki Sauce
- 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 (cornstarch slurry)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it crumbles evenly. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger until well combined. Pour this teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Stir continually and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, evenly coating the stir-fry.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the hot teriyaki stir fry over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or tofu for variation.
- To keep the vegetables extra crisp, avoid overcooking and sauté only until just tender.
- Cooked rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
