If you’re craving a wholesome meal that balances savory, sweet, and a touch of zest, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with fresh vegetables and a perfectly glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish delivers satisfying comfort and vibrant flavors in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a colorful, nutritious meal, this stir fry brings together lean ground turkey and crisp veggies with an irresistible sauce that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to nailing this stir fry. Each one plays an essential role, from the rich umami of soy sauce to the crunchy freshness of broccoli, creating a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that dance on your plate.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory base of the teriyaki sauce for that classic flavor punch.
- Brown sugar: Adds the perfect hint of sweetness that balances the salty soy and sharp ginger.
- Water: Used to both thin and thicken the sauce, helping it coat the ingredients beautifully.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that enriches the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a fragrant burst that elevates the overall taste.
- Fresh ginger: Grated or minced for its warm, zingy spice that brightens every bite.
- Corn starch: The secret to that glossy, thickened teriyaki glaze we all love.
- Orange zest: Adds an unexpected citrusy twist that makes this recipe uniquely delicious.
- Ground turkey: The lean, protein-packed star that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Sesame oil: For toasty, nutty aroma and a rich finish to the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant green freshness, boosting both nutrition and color.
- Small onion: Diced finely to mellow and sweeten as it sautés, forming the stir fry’s flavor base.
- Shredded carrots: For a pop of color, natural sweetness, and tender bite.
- Salt and pepper: To season just right and bring all the flavors into balance.
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, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir these together and bring the mixture gently to a low boil. Next, whisk ¼ cup of water with cornstarch until dissolved, then slowly pour this slurry into the sauce while stirring constantly. This thickens your sauce beautifully—once glossy and thickened, remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest for that bright, zesty lift. Set your sauce aside, ready to infuse the stir fry with its luscious flavor later.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Ground Turkey
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for several minutes until soft and fragrant. Now add your ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spatula, and cook until it reaches 165°F internally, typically about 7 to 10 minutes. This is where lean turkey gets deliciously savory, absorbing the aromas and preparing to mingle with vibrant veggies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables
Once your turkey is nicely cooked, stir in the fresh broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the veggies are tender yet still hold a satisfying crunch. This step ensures your stir fry has a perfect mix of textures that keep each forkful exciting.
Step 4: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, and pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to coat every piece in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Let this simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the ingredients and thicken slightly, making each bite a saucy delight.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is like putting the final spark on a perfect dish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra layer of texture and a fresh, crunchy bite. A few thin slices of red chili can add a playful hint of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe tastes amazing over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that saucy goodness. For a lower-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even spiralized zucchini noodles. These sides complement and complete the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this stir fry into a bowl meal by arranging it over rice and topping with avocado slices and pickled ginger for a fresh, unexpected twist. Alternatively, scoop some into lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held dinner experience that’s both fun and filling. The versatility here lets you get creative and cater to your mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for next-day lunches or speedy dinners with little effort.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, this recipe freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of some vegetables may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave it in a covered dish, checking every minute to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture and keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a similar lean protein option. Just cook it the same way you would the ground turkey, making sure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the sauce tasty while accommodating gluten sensitivities. This minor change keeps the flavors authentic and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir or warm it slightly before adding to the stir fry to bring back that perfect glaze-like consistency.
What vegetables can I substitute if I don’t have broccoli or carrots?
Feel free to swap in snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for variety. The key is to choose veggies that hold up well to quick cooking and add a nice textural contrast.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweet-savory balance of the teriyaki sauce and the mild flavor of ground turkey make this dish great for kids. You can adjust the seasoning and omit any spicy garnishes to keep it mild and family-approved.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and share—it’s straightforward enough for any night of the week but special enough to feel like a treat. The harmony of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and that incredible homemade sauce creates a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again. I encourage you to give it a try and savor every flavorful, colorful bite!
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
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender turkey, crisp broccoli, and shredded carrots cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The dish combines savory, sweet, and tangy notes from soy sauce, honey, and orange zest, making it a delicious and healthier alternative to takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir fry pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until fully dissolved. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Let the sauce thicken, then remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside until ready to use.
- Cook the Vegetables and Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for several minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Carrots: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, cooking until the vegetables are tender and heated through.
- Combine with Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Stir well to coat the turkey and vegetables, then simmer for several minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice or your choice of base. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
