Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, wholesome, and utterly satisfying dinner, you’re going to love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe. It combines tender, lean ground turkey with vibrant veggies and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced in sweet and tangy flavors. Every bite bursts with freshness, crunch, and a silky, savory coating that makes this dish a go-to comfort meal any night of the week. Plus, it’s easy to customize for your taste buds or whatever you have in the fridge, making it a real kitchen champion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together in harmony to create a dish full of color, texture, and bold flavor. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the aromatic garlic and fresh ginger, the crispness of the bell pepper and broccoli, or the irresistible sweetness of the honey that sweetens the teriyaki sauce.
- Ground turkey: Perfectly lean and tender, it absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully for a juicy, protein-packed base.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that sets the stage for authentic Asian flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of fragrant depth that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy warmth that complements the sweet sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki, balancing sweetness without overpowering.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that creates that glossy, sticky sauce we adore.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang to brighten every bite.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce perfectly so it clings to every morsel.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Adds vibrant color and a refreshing crunch.
- Broccoli florets: Brings hearty texture and brilliant green hues.
- Shredded carrots: Imparts natural sweetness and lovely orange flecks.
- Green onions (sliced): A fresh, mild onion bite to finish the dish beautifully.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra nuttiness and an eye-catching garnish.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base to soak up all that teriyaki goodness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground turkey
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with your spatula. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the turkey well is key for developing rich flavor and juicy texture that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 2: Add garlic and ginger
Now, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir everything together and cook for just another minute until you can smell those enticing fragrant notes. These simple aromatics lift the dish and give it that authentic Asian-inspired foundation.
Step 3: Whisk and pour the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until everything is perfectly blended. Pour this mixture over the cooked turkey and stir to coat every bit. This is where the magic happens, as the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors begin to meld.
Step 4: Add vegetables and cook
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots right into the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still have a delightful crispness. This keeps the dish fresh and colorful with lots of satisfying texture contrasts.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce and finish
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and beautifully coat the turkey and veggies. This glossy finish is irresistible and makes every forkful a taste sensation. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like, for that last touch of flavor and flair.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the look of this stir-fry but also adds fresh, subtle onion crunch and nutty depth. For an exciting twist, a few thinly sliced red chilies or a drizzle of sriracha can bring some welcome heat.
Side Dishes
Serving your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe over fluffy white or nutty brown rice perfectly absorbs the rich sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives. You can also pair it with a simple Asian cucumber salad or crunchy snap peas for more veggie goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or switch things up, serve this stir-fry wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun handheld meal. Alternatively, spoon it over cooked noodles for a hearty, saucy bowl, or even stuff it inside warm pita pockets alongside crunchy slaw for an inventive fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its flavors well, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-from-the-wok taste again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration. This helps revive the saucy texture and keeps everything luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work just as well with this teriyaki stir-fry sauce. Each adds a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe can easily be gluten-free. Just double-check your other ingredients like rice vinegar and any additional sauces for gluten content.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Adding a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh chili peppers during cooking will give a nice spicy kick without overpowering the sweet and savory flavors.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, reduce the sauce a bit longer to naturally thicken it, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. It stores well, reheats nicely, and the flavors deepen over time, making your weekday lunches something to look forward to.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and downright delicious about a homemade stir-fry that is quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor. The Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe hits all those marks and then some, becoming a beloved staple in many kitchens. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch it become your new weeknight hero—one stir fry at a time!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy weeknight dinner featuring lean ground turkey cooked with crisp vegetables and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect served over rice for a satisfying, Asian-inspired meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Serving
- Cooked white or brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the turkey.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over cooked white or brown rice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes while cooking.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
