Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying dish that bursts with flavor and colors, you absolutely have to try this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. It’s a joyful blend of tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce that wraps everything in sweet and savory goodness. This dish makes weeknight dinners exciting, providing a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to whip up. You’re going to love how every bite feels fresh, nutritious, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a role in layering texture, flavor, and color to create a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base keeps things light but hearty and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch and a fresh, green bite full of nutrients.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Brings sweetness and a pop of color to the skillet.
- 1 cup snap peas: Crisp and slightly sweet, they brighten the dish with their snap.
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced: Subtle earthiness and an attractive orange contrast.
- 4 green onions, chopped: Sweet, mild onion flavor that freshens the finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty kick that’s unmistakably teriyaki.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami heart of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the saltiness with natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang for brightness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce nicely for that glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Cooked rice or noodles (optional): Perfect vessels to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty garnish that adds a lovely texture.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Adding the ground turkey, cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for even browning. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish, so give it about 5 to 7 minutes until the turkey is well cooked and nicely browned.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the turkey is cooked, introduce the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about one minute until their warm, fragrant aromas infuse the dish. These two aromatics are key players that truly make this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry sing with depth and character.
Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables
Time to brighten things up by adding broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and thin carrot slices. Stir-fry the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a satisfying crunch. This step brings color and nutrition, striking a balance that’s both healthy and fun to eat.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooked turkey and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, luscious glaze that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions
Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the chopped green onions. This final touch adds a fresh and mild sharpness that balances the sweet-salty teriyaki sauce, making the dish feel complete and irresistible.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch and a touch of visual interest. You can also add a few extra green onion slices for color and freshness, turning your dish into as much an eye candy as a delicious meal.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines beautifully when served over steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the savory teriyaki sauce. If you prefer noodles, simple cooked soba or egg noodles work wonderfully as a base, adding a comforting chewiness that complements the tender turkey and crisp veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner twist, try serving the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, crisp bite that adds another layer of texture. You could also spoon the stir fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even pack it into warm pita pockets for a handheld treat. The versatility is part of the joy here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect choice for delicious, ready-to-eat lunches or quick dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry if you want to extend its shelf life. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. It keeps best for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a tasty meal waiting whenever you need it.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, so the sauce stays glossy and the vegetables don’t become mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the texture and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will give you a similar mild flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the fat content, as it can vary and affect the cooking time slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Yes, you can swap ground turkey for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Press the tofu well and crumble or cube it, then follow the same cooking steps for a delicious plant-based dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is naturally mild and sweet, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to turn up the heat if you love some spice.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The teriyaki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply whisk it together before cooking, so you can skip a step during your busy dinner prep.
What substitutions can I make for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce and provides a similar umami flavor. Coconut aminos is another popular alternative that’s slightly sweeter and lower in sodium.
Final Thoughts
Making this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is like giving your dinner routine a much-needed upgrade. It’s colorful, flavorful, and brings so much joy to the table without demanding too much time or effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather those ingredients, heat up your skillet, and dive into one of the tastiest stir fries you’ll ever enjoy!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry loaded with fresh vegetables, tender ground turkey, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. This healthy and easy stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Optional for Serving and Garnishing
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the turkey and vegetables.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing their flavors into the turkey.
- Add vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, keeping them tender yet crisp.
- Prepare teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and ready to be added.
- Combine sauce with stir fry: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat everything and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish with green onions: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the chopped green onions for freshness and mild onion flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles if desired, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean pork if preferred.
- Frozen vegetables can be used if fresh ones are not available but adjust the cook time accordingly to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the honey amount to your taste.
- For gluten-free options, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a splash of sesame oil towards the end enhances the nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey teriyaki, healthy stir fry, quick dinner, asian stir fry, turkey recipes, easy weeknight meal
