Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a lightning-fast, flavor-packed meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious, you are simply going to swoon over this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Tender morsels of ground turkey get tossed with crisp-tender veggies and a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a dish that begs to be piled high onto fluffy rice or slurpy noodles. It’s my personal weeknight secret for impressing anyone without breaking a sweat! Whether you meal prep, cook for a family, or just love a colorful, crave-worthy bowlful, this stir fry will quickly become a regular guest at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together to make an unforgettable Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Each item brings a unique crunch, pop of color, or splash of flavor to the mix, so don’t skip the highlights—they’re what take this from basic to spectacular.
- Sesame oil: Toasty and aromatic, this oil forms the deeply flavorful base for the stir fry.
- Ground turkey: Lean, juicy, and protein-packed, turkey is the perfect mild canvas for that sticky teriyaki sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an essential pungent kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Ginger: Don’t skip it! Fresh grated ginger brings bright, zesty heat that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, crisp, and vividly red, these slices pop both in color and flavor.
- Broccoli florets: They add crunch, green goodness, and soak up the sauce like little flavor sponges.
- Shredded carrots: For a hit of natural sweetness and a pretty burst of orange.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This forms the savory backbone of the teriyaki sauce, without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey: The natural sweetness balances out the savory elements—plus it helps the sauce get super glossy.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of tang is essential to keep the overall taste fresh and lively.
- Cornstarch slurry: The secret weapon for a thick, clingy sauce on every bite—just cornstarch and water whisked together.
- Green onions: Sliced fresh on top, these add oniony brightness that perks up each serving.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty finish, scatter these on as a final garnish—it looks gorgeous, too!
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics
Begin by heating up the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil warms, you’ll instantly get that irresistible toasty aroma that signals something delicious is on its way. Add the ground turkey and use a spatula to break it apart, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This foundation is where the savory flavors start to build.
Step 2: Stir in Garlic and Ginger
Next, add in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir these around for about a minute—just until they fragrance the whole kitchen! This quick step infuses the meat with depth and that telltale teriyaki warmth, so don’t rush it or let the aromatics burn.
Step 3: Veggie Power-Up
Time to toss in the colorful veggies: red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots. Keep the skillet hot and stir-fry everything together for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to be crisp-tender: cooked through, but still with a satisfying snap and vibrant hue. The contrast between flavorful turkey and super-fresh veggies is what makes this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry so utterly craveable.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this into the skillet, letting it sizzle up and immediately coat every bite. This quick homemade teriyaki sauce tastes nothing like the bottled stuff—fresh, sweet-salty, and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish
Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir (cornstarch plus water mixed until smooth), then pour it into the pan while stirring. In just 1 to 2 more minutes, the sauce thickens, glazes the turkey and veggies, and everything looks ultra enticing. Sprinkle on the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then take the skillet off the heat—your masterpiece is ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Let’s talk final flourishes! Topping your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with green onions and a shower of sesame seeds not only makes it Instagram-worthy but also gives every bite extra texture and zing. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chili crisp kicks things up a notch.
Side Dishes
While this stir fry easily stands on its own, it truly shines over steaming jasmine rice, chewy brown rice, or bouncy rice noodles. For a lighter twist, cauliflower rice soaks up the sauce beautifully. I also love pairing it with a quick cucumber salad or some roasted edamame for crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond standard bowls by making teriyaki lettuce wraps, loading the warm turkey mixture into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves. You can also spoon it over baked sweet potatoes or stuff it into pitas for a fun lunchbox option—who said stir fry was just for dinner?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry keeps like a dream! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so your leftovers might taste even better than the night you made it.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for super-busy weeks, go ahead and freeze portions of your cooked stir fry in airtight freezer containers or resealable bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; this helps keep the veggies from becoming mushy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until hot and the sauce is bubbly again. A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick straight out of the fridge. The microwave works too—just cover your bowl so everything steams up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While ground turkey tastes lovely and light, both ground chicken and lean ground beef work perfectly in this stir fry. Each brings its own special flavor, so feel free to swap based on what you have.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is endlessly adaptable—mix in snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, or snow peas to make your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry your own. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep everything crisp and colorful.
How do I make it spicier?
For extra heat, toss thinly sliced chili peppers in with the veggies, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or serve with a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil. The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce pairs really well with some spicy heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and making sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Double check your other sauce ingredients if sensitivity is an issue.
Can I meal prep Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Yes! This stir fry is meal-prep gold. Portion cooled servings into containers with rice or noodles, store in the fridge, and heat up throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners with zero fuss.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is the kind of meal you’ll look forward to all day long. It’s fast, incredibly flavorful, and bursting with good-for-you ingredients. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to whenever you need dinner in a hurry—give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. With a mix of ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this stir fry is a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
Teryaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Sesame Oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook for 5–6 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour into skillet.
- Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in other veggies like snap peas or zucchini.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
