If you’re looking for a vibrant, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together quickly, you’ll absolutely love this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe. It combines lean ground turkey with crisp vegetables and a perfectly balanced savory sauce that’s just a hint sweet and gently spicy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving something wholesome and colorful, this recipe checks all the boxes with mouthwatering flavor and simple steps that will feel like a blank canvas to your creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients, each chosen to bring a unique texture, flavor, or color that makes this dish truly pop. From the umami-rich soy sauce to the fresh crunch of veggies, everything works in harmony to create something unforgettable.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, savory base without overpowering.
- ¼ cup water: Balances the sauce’s saltiness and helps with cooking consistency.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the dish with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty depth and inviting aroma.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm, zingy kick – fresh is best if you can get it.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Adds just enough heat to keep things exciting.
- 3 teaspoons neutral cooking oil: Use canola, avocado, or olive oil for stir-frying without altering flavor.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein star of the show, perfect for absorbing all those flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mild garlic punch without burning during cooking.
- 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced: Adds a fresh, tender crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated: A sweet, crisp element that brightens the dish visually and taste-wise.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweet and colorful, this veggie boosts both flavor and appeal.
- 3 stalks green onion, white and light green parts sliced: Layers in a mild onion sharpness; keep the dark green tops for garnish.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch whisked with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry): Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully to every bite.
- Jasmine rice: The perfect fragrant base to serve this stir fry over.
- Sliced green onions and extra hot sauce (optional): For garnish and an extra flavor kick, perfect to jazz up your plate.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by mixing low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and sriracha in a bowl. Whisk these together until the sugar dissolves and the flavors marry beautifully. Letting the sauce sit for a bit helps those tastes develop even more complexity, making your stir fry inviting and rich.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
Heat 2 teaspoons of your chosen neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and sprinkle the garlic powder evenly on top. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks, stirring often to brown it evenly and eliminate any pink parts. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and you want your turkey perfectly cooked before moving to the next step. Once done, transfer the turkey to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat the final teaspoon of oil. Toss in the zucchini, grated carrot, red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onion. Stir fry these vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes; you want them tender-crisp, maintaining a satisfying bite and that fresh garden flavor. This step is crucial for texture contrast in the dish. While veggies cook, mix your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked with water) in a small bowl to get ready for thickening.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Stir Fry
Turn the heat down to medium and add the cooked turkey back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour your prepped sauce evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly to coat everything. Then, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry, continuing to mix until the sauce thickens nicely and coats every piece beautifully. This takes just 1 to 2 minutes, transforming the dish into a glossy, saucy delight.
Step 5: Serve Your Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Spoon the steaming stir fry over warm jasmine rice, making sure to get plenty of meat, vegetables, and sauce in each serving. Garnish with the reserved dark green onion tops and if you love a little extra fire, add some more hot sauce on the side. Now you have a wholesome, colorful plate ready to impress any appetite.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
One of the simplest ways to elevate your Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is with some fresh garnishes. The reserved green onion tops bring a lovely pop of color and a mild onion flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adds a brilliant spicy finish that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
Serving this stir fry over classic jasmine rice is a no-brainer—it soaks up the savory sauce perfectly and gives a fragrant base. Alternatively, steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice works wonderfully if you want to keep things lighter or grain-free. For a veggie-packed meal, a simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted snap peas can complement the stir fry’s flavors without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow guests or just add some fun to your meal? Try serving the stir fry in individual lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy bite that adds a playful textural contrast. You can also spoon it into warm tortillas or serve alongside quinoa for an unexpected twist. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special, and with this dish, simple touches make a big difference.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to four days, holding onto the vibrant flavors and tender veggies. Stored properly, it tastes like you just made it!
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the stir fry in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best results, cool the dish completely before freezing. It’s advisable to freeze without rice and prepare fresh jasmine rice when reheating. Frozen stir fry retains its quality for about 2 to 3 months, giving you a quick meal option anytime you’re in a pinch.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through to preserve the texture of the vegetables. Alternatively, use a microwave, covering the dish to trap moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to bring back that saucy, silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will keep the dish lean while offering a slightly different but still delightful flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with ground turkey.
What vegetables can I add or swap in this stir fry?
This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli florets to your stir fry. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything stays crisp-tender and vibrant.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for a tamari or coconut aminos version. These alternatives provide similar umami without gluten worries.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe uses sriracha to add a medium level of heat, which is adjustable to taste. If you prefer milder, reduce or omit the sriracha, or substitute with a milder chili sauce. For more heat, add extra hot sauce at serving time.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! This stir fry reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store in individual containers with rice on the side to maintain texture and freshness throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort and freshness you get from whipping up this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe. It’s perfect for busy nights yet indulgently delicious, combining lean protein, crisp veggies, and a deeply satisfying sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with colorful vegetables and a savory, tangy sauce, it offers a balanced dish served over fragrant jasmine rice. The stir-fry technique ensures a tender-crisp texture and vibrant flavors, enhanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sriracha for a subtle heat.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Main Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons neutral cooking oil (canola, avocado, or olive oil), divided
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks green onion, white and light green parts sliced (reserve dark green tops for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch whisked with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- Jasmine rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Extra hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sriracha until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the turkey: Heat 2 teaspoons of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and sprinkle with garlic powder. Sauté, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey to a clean plate and set aside.
- Stir fry the veggies: Return the skillet to the stove and heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the sliced zucchini, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. While vegetables cook, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Combine and thicken the stir fry: Lower the heat to medium, add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the ground turkey stir fry over warm jasmine rice. Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and add extra hot sauce if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, but ground ginger is a suitable substitute.
- This recipe works well with any neutral oil like avocado, canola, or olive oil for sautéing.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust sriracha to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Serve over jasmine rice or substitute with brown rice or quinoa for a different grain option.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or microwave and consumed within 4 days for best quality.
