Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, colorful, and delicious weeknight meal, stop right here—Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hits all the right notes. Packed with lean protein, crisp veggies, and a glossy, savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish brings the joy of an Asian-inspired takeout feast straight into your kitchen but with a healthier, homemade twist. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time, and, as an added bonus, comes together in just 25 minutes. This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a true weeknight hero that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients is simple yet oh-so-important. Each one plays a starring role in building bold flavor, bright color, and irresistible texture, so don’t skip anything if you can help it!
- Ground turkey: A lean, protein-rich base that absorbs every bit of that sweet and tangy sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds deliciously nutty aroma that sets the stage for classic stir fry flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Bold, sharp, and savory, garlic is essential for building depth.
- Fresh ginger: Delivers an aromatic zing that lifts the entire dish.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of vibrant color and gentle sweetness.
- Snap peas: Snap in with a satisfying crunch and bright green hue.
- Shredded carrots: Add subtle sweetness and a colorful, hearty bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The foundation of umami, balancing the dish while keeping it light on salt.
- Honey: Sweetens up the sauce and helps achieve that beautiful teriyaki glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a mild tanginess to brighten and balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every morsel.
- Green onions: Add a fresh, zippy finish with a touch of color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on some extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Cooked rice for serving: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey, and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly, about 5 to 6 minutes, until there’s no pink remaining. The sesame oil helps keep things juicy while giving the turkey a subtle, toasty background note.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger right into the turkey once it’s browned. Stir constantly for about a minute—when your kitchen smells incredible, you’ll know you’re on the right track. This quick sauté builds an aromatic base for the entire stir fry.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies
Introduce the veggies: sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and shredded carrots. Stir everything together and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is just-tender vegetables with a lively crunch and plenty of color—so don’t overcook!
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Teriyaki Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make your vibrant teriyaki sauce. Pour this flavorful mixture into the skillet and give everything a hearty stir, so the sauce coats every piece.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish
Add the cornstarch and water slurry to the skillet. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce quickly thickens and turns glossy, embracing the turkey and veggies with a sticky, crave-able sheen. Remove from heat, then scatter sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds if using.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Nothing jazzes up your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry more than a shower of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add crushed peanuts or chili flakes for even more flavor and crunch if you like a little adventure!
Side Dishes
Spoon the stir fry over warm, fluffy rice for a hearty meal, or try it with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. Steamed edamame or a quick-miso soup make perfect partners for extra nourishment on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack your stir fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held dinner or serve over rice noodles for a change of pace. Tuck leftovers into a whole grain wrap with extra veggies for a fresh lunchtime twist the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days—everything stays bright and the flavors even deepen a bit overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, let your stir fry cool fully before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Pop them in the freezer for up to two months; this method makes weeknight dinners a total breeze.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring gently until hot and glossy. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I substitute another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work just as well in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, letting you mix things up while keeping all the saucy, satisfying flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and you’ve got a gluten-free delight on your hands.
How do I make it spicier?
Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and ginger for that perfect hit of heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Broccoli florets, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini all work fabulously. Just add your favorites and aim for three to four cups of chopped veggies in total.
What’s the best way to double the recipe?
This recipe scales up like a dream. Just double all the ingredients and use your largest skillet or switch to a wok to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets plenty of caramelization.
Final Thoughts
Let this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry become your go-to dinner—you’ll love its ease, flexibility, and how quickly it disappears from everyone’s plates. Give it a spin this week, and you may just find yourself craving it again and again!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious recipe for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with flavor and colorful vegetables, all cooked in a savory teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, sauté for another minute.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots, cook until just tender but still crisp.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour into the skillet, stir well.
- Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch mixture, cook until sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, serve hot over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey.
- Add broccoli or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the honey amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
