Are you looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s as satisfying as it is delicious? Look no further than this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a flash but still want something flavorful and nutritious. This stir fry is a total winner with its lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Trust me, it’s a meal your whole family will love.
The beauty of this stir fry is its versatility. You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. And if you’re looking for a low-fat, high-protein dish, ground turkey is the perfect base. It’s lean, packed with protein, and pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is tight but you still want a satisfying dinner.
- Healthy: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, making this stir fry a heart-healthy choice. Plus, the colorful veggies bring in fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to suit your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
- Flavorful: The homemade teriyaki sauce gives this stir fry that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. It coats the turkey and veggies beautifully, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Not only is this dish quick to make, but cleanup is a breeze too! One pan, all the flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week. The stir fry stores well in the fridge and is just as delicious the next day.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What makes this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry stand out is the combination of its healthy ingredients, bold flavors, and versatility. Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a great choice for those looking to eat cleaner while still enjoying a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant vegetables, and the homemade teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its balance of sweet and savory notes.
Unlike store-bought stir-fry sauces that can be high in sugar and sodium, this homemade version allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, making it a much healthier option. The addition of fresh garlic and ginger gives the sauce depth and warmth, while a touch of honey or mirin adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can even make this dish spicier by adding a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha—perfect for those who love a little heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sake or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tbsp mirin or honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup snap peas or snow peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the turkey to a plate and set it aside. - Sauté the Garlic and Ginger
In the same skillet, add a little more vegetable oil if necessary, and toss in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. This will create the savory base for your stir fry and give it that irresistible aroma. - Add the Vegetables
Now, add your vegetables to the skillet. The broccoli, red bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas will add crunch, color, and nutrition to your stir fry. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4–5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them—this will help preserve their vibrant color and texture. - Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the soy sauce, sake (if using), mirin (or honey), sesame oil, and water in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the water. This will help thicken the sauce and give it that perfect consistency. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggies, stirring everything together. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue to stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated. - Garnish and Serve
Once the stir fry is ready, remove it from the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles.
Tips for Best Results
- Add Crunch: If you love a bit of extra crunch, consider adding water chestnuts, cashews, or even toasted almonds to your stir fry. These will provide a satisfying texture contrast to the tender vegetables and turkey.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warmth and depth of flavor that ground ginger simply can’t replicate. Make sure to use freshly grated ginger for the best results.
- Opt for Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, swap regular soy sauce for a low-sodium version. This will keep the dish just as flavorful but with less salt.
- Meal Prep: This stir fry is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce when reheating to bring back the moisture.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms all work wonderfully in this dish. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options: You can easily swap ground turkey for other proteins like ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you’re using whole pieces of meat, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less honey or mirin. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, a bit more honey will do the trick.
- Gluten-Free: To make the stir fry gluten-free, simply swap soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check the labels on other ingredients, such as the cornstarch, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
- Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For an extra spicy kick, try using a chili paste or fresh chilies.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. The rice will soak up all the delicious teriyaki sauce, making every bite irresistible.
- With Noodles: For a fun twist, serve the stir fry over soba noodles, udon, or whole wheat noodles. The noodles will add a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the stir fry sauce.
- Side Salad: If you’re looking to keep things light, pair this stir fry with a refreshing side salad. A simple cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw would be a perfect complement.
- Top with Garnishes: Enhance the flavor and appearance by sprinkling sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro on top. A drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce can also give the dish a little extra flavor.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: For a refreshing drink, pair this stir fry with iced green tea, sparkling water with a twist of lime, or a light, crisp white wine. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the flavors of the stir fry perfectly.
- Sides: Serve the stir fry with a side of steamed edamame, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal. You could also pair it with a miso soup for an authentic Asian-inspired dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the stir fry cool to room temperature before sealing it in the container to avoid moisture buildup.
- Freezing: If you have extra servings, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat directly from frozen in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stir fry in a pan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe container for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Yes! You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. - Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time on busy weeknights. - What vegetables can I use in this stir fry?
This stir fry is highly customizable! You can use any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini. Frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes work great too! - Is this stir fry gluten-free?
To make the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check the labels of
other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal with lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tbsp mirin or honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake (or sherry), mirin (or honey), and sesame oil; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey and vegetables.
- Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
- Serve the stir fry hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
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