If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in just about half an hour, then this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It pairs lean ground turkey with a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, while fresh vegetables add wonderful texture and color. The balance of rich soy, bright orange zest, and a touch of honey creates a sauce so irresistible, every bite feels like a satisfying celebration of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a delicious, comforting meal to your table with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the savory soy sauce that forms the base of the teriyaki to the fresh veggies that lend crunch and nutrients. These simple but essential ingredients work in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides the salty, umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to balance the savory elements.
- Water (1 cup, divided): Helps meld the sauce ingredients and activates the cornstarch slurry for perfect thickening.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings a gentle floral sweetness that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses the stir fry with pungent richness and aromatic warmth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated or minced): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy note that brightens the dish.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that silky, glossy finish everyone loves.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Injects a fresh, citrusy pop that lifts the sauce flavor beautifully.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean protein base that soaks up the sauce while keeping the dish light.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the stir fry’s profile.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, fresh or frozen): Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- Small onion, diced (1): Offers subtle sweetness and texture when sautéed.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Introduces a natural sweetness and lovely orange hue.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to perfection and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently. This warm, aromatic base will become the sauce that ties your stir fry together.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Next, mix ¼ cup of water with the cornstarch until fully dissolved to make a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. This will thicken the sauce beautifully and give it a glossy finish. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest to infuse a bright citrus note. Set this aside until the stir fry is ready.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Turkey
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook it until no longer pink inside and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, roughly 7 to 10 minutes. This ensures the turkey is juicy yet fully cooked, absorbing the forthcoming flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked through, stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp, creating a lovely contrast with the tender turkey. This step adds freshness and vibrant color to the dish that makes it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Turn the heat down to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the turkey and vegetables. Stir everything gently to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into every bite and thicken slightly more. Now, your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To give your stir fry that extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top. These simple garnishes not only add a pop of color but also provide a delightful crunch and freshness that complements the rich teriyaki sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when served over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also offer it alongside quinoa or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. These sides soak up every flavorful bit, ensuring nothing is left behind on the plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups or warm tortillas to create a handheld treat with a burst of Asian-inspired flavor. Alternatively, plate it atop a bed of lightly sautéed kale or spinach for added greens and texture variety. Presentation is a chance to get creative and make mealtime even more exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly. Freezing helps preserve the wholesome flavors so you can savor this meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the sauce’s consistency during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully and will provide a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce. Just be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This simple swap keeps the dish flavorful while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Yes! Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure veggies are tender but still crisp and vibrant.
How sweet is the teriyaki sauce? Can I reduce the sugar?
The sauce balances sweet and savory, but you can adjust the brown sugar and honey to your taste. Reducing sugar slightly won’t affect the texture much but may lessen the caramelized richness of the sauce.
What can I use instead of orange zest?
If you don’t have orange zest on hand, lemon zest or a small splash of orange juice can provide a similar bright citrus note. It’s a nice way to keep the sauce fresh and lively.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe inspires you to bring a simple yet vibrant meal to your table any night of the week. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, it’s one of those dishes that warms the heart while satisfying your taste buds. Give it a try soon – your dinner routine will thank you!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry made with a homemade teriyaki sauce, fresh vegetables, and lean ground turkey. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this stir fry combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a vibrant mix of broccoli, carrots, and onion, all cooked in a skillet for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ cup water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ cup water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and corn starch until the corn starch is fully dissolved. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken, then immediately remove it from heat. Stir in the orange zest and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables and Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for several minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Continue cooking until the vegetables are heated through and tender but still maintain some crispness.
- Combine with Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry hot. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey if preferred.
- Using fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying the honey and soy sauce amounts to taste.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
