Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re looking for a lightning-fast, flavor-packed dinner, let me introduce you to my current obsession: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. This dish is a joyful blend of tender ground turkey, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s one of those weeknight wonders you’ll crave again and again because it’s ready in less than 30 minutes, packed with healthy ingredients, and absolutely bursting with taste in every single bite. Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how each ingredient in this stir fry shines—nothing is fussy, yet every component brings something essential to the pan. Every veggie pops with color, the aromatics fill your kitchen with instant joy, and the homemade teriyaki sauce transforms simple ground turkey into something irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want to include every last bit:
- Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-rich, and the perfect mild canvas for sopping up all that sticky-sweet teriyaki flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the turkey beautifully and keeps everything moist without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a fragrant, savory depth that makes the whole dish sing.
- Fresh Ginger: A teaspoon of grated ginger brings zesty warmth and authentic teriyaki flair.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The salty base of our sauce—using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level and keep it healthier.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances out the salt and acidity for a classic teriyaki profile.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and keeps things lively.
- Cornstarch Slurry (cornstarch mixed with water): This magic trick thickens the sauce so it coats every bite beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this gives a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Broccoli Florets: Two cups add crunch, fiber, and a gorgeous green hue that pops on your plate.
- Shredded Carrots: These create subtle sweetness, tender texture, and sunny color that makes this stir fry feel special.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sliced for juicy crunch and a burst of vibrant color.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions are fresh, mildly spicy, and used for finishing the dish with flair.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving—whether you’re a rice devotee or a noodle lover, this stir fry is delicious over either.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle on top adds subtle nuttiness and a pretty, restaurant-style finish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is nicely browned and cooked through. This step is crucial because a good sear on the turkey adds savory depth—the foundation of our delicious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in your minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Let them sizzle for about a minute. You’ll know it’s time to move on when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing and the garlic is just turning translucent. These aromatics give this stir fry its signature punchy flavor base, so don’t skip them!
Step 3: Whisk the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
While the turkey is browning, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and your cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. This blend will create a luscious, glossy sauce that thickens just enough to cling to every bite. Once combined, pour the sauce over the turkey in your skillet, making sure every morsel is coated.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Now pile in the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir everything together so the veggies start to soak up some of that saucy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until your vegetables are just tender but still vibrantly colorful. This keeps your stir fry fresh and lively, not limp or overcooked.
Step 5: Season and Finish
If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this point. Give the stir fry one last good toss. Remove from heat, and you’re ready to serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! I love seeing the glossy, richly coated turkey mingled with all those veggies—it’s a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a flourish of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to make this dish pop. These garnishes add not only texture and flavor, but also a dash of elegance—each bowl looks instantly restaurant-worthy. You can also add a quick drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce if you love things super saucy!
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines all on its own, but you can round it out with fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a comforting meal. Jasmine or brown rice are both perfect, and if you’re feeling bold, try serving the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry alongside a side of crisp Asian slaw, roasted edamame, or even simple miso soup for a takeout-inspired feast at home!
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special presentation, try spooning your stir fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held dinner. Or, create a beautiful rice bowl by layering the stir fry over rice, then arranging extra fresh veggies alongside for maximum color. You can even go bento-box style for lunch prep—this dish tastes fabulous hot or cold.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy dinner, let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it makes a fantastic lunch or easy leftover dinner the next day!
Freezing
This stir fry is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Simply portion cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze without rice or noodles and add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, microwave in a covered microwave-safe dish for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, toss it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. The veggies may soften slightly, but all the teriyaki flavor will still shine!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully and stays just as lean and flavorful. Ground beef adds a richer taste—just be sure to drain excess fat before adding the sauce. The teriyaki flavors pair well with any of these options.
Is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free?
With one small swap, it can be! Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is super flexible! Snap peas, baby spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions. Stir them in along with the other veggies for a personalized touch.
How do I keep the veggies from getting mushy?
The best way is to avoid overcooking them. Aim for just 5 to 7 minutes with the lid on—enough to make them tender but still vibrant and fresh. If you like extra-crisp veggies, add them later and cook uncovered.
What’s the best way to meal prep Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Prepare the stir fry as directed, cool completely, and portion into individual meal prep containers with rice or noodles. It holds up well for several days, making weekday lunches a total breeze!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a crowd-pleasing, colorful dinner that’s as easy as it is crave-worthy, you’re going to love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll rely on for busy nights, friendly gatherings, or whenever you want healthy comfort food with a teriyaki twist. Go ahead—give it a whirl, and watch it disappear!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with vegetables and seasoned with a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry in a bowl.
- Cook Vegetables: Add sauce to the skillet with broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in red pepper flakes if desired. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra veggies, consider adding snap peas, zucchini, or spinach.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
