Quick & Zesty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

My latest ground turkey teriyaki stir fry brings vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to your weeknight dinner table.

Weeknight meals can feel monotonous, but this recipe changes everything with its quick preparation and delicious profile.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat dance together in a glossy teriyaki sauce that promises satisfaction.

Lean protein meets bold seasonings, creating a balanced dish that keeps you full and energized.

Simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and green onions deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Colorful bell peppers and crunchy carrots add visual appeal and nutritional boost to this one-pan wonder.

Jump into this delightful meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Why Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Works Every Time

• Customize Your Meal: Enjoy incredible flexibility with multiple serving options like rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps that cater to different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Master Quick Nutrition: Pack a powerful protein punch with ground turkey while loading up on vegetables, creating a balanced and wholesome meal in one skillet.
• Craft Restaurant-Quality Flavors: Create a homemade teriyaki sauce bursting with authentic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and orange zest that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a complete dinner using just one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.

What’s Inside Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides the main protein for the stir fry.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and saltiness to the dish.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes rich caramel-like sweetness to the teriyaki sauce.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the teriyaki sauce.
• Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to enhance the sauce's complexity.

• Corn Starch, Water: Creates a smooth slurry to thicken the teriyaki sauce.

• Onion, Broccoli, Shredded Carrots: Provide nutritional value, texture, and color to the stir fry.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor and helps with even cooking.

How To Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up Teriyaki Sauce

• Water
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Honey
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together until the ingredients start dancing and blending beautifully.

Step 2: Bring Sauce to Life

Heat the sauce mixture until it reaches a gentle, bubbling low boil. Watch the magic happen as the flavors start to mingle.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk water and corn starch until completely smooth and no lumps remain. This will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce.

Step 4: Create Sauce Magic

Slowly pour the corn starch mixture into the saucepan. Stir continuously and watch the sauce transform into a glossy, thick consistency that clings perfectly to your ingredients.

Step 5: Add Zesty Finish

Remove the saucepan from heat and sprinkle in fresh orange zest. This bright touch will elevate the entire dish with a citrusy pop.

Step 6: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be sizzling and ready for action.

Step 7: Sauté Aromatic Base

Toss diced onions into the hot pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 8: Cook Ground Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up and cook thoroughly until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes 7-10 minutes.

Step 9: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce broccoli and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 10: Combine and Coat

Lower the heat and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the stir fry. Stir gently to ensure every morsel is coated in the delicious sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your turkey teriyaki stir fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. For a lighter option, use it as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Hints For Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Boost Sauce Thickness: Whisk corn starch with cold water to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce.
• Prevent Dry Meat: Avoid overcooking ground turkey by monitoring internal temperature and stirring frequently during browning.
• Add Extra Crunch: Toss in water chestnuts or sliced almonds for additional texture and nutty flavor in the stir fry.
• Enhance Vegetable Variety: Swap or mix broccoli and carrots with bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for diverse nutrients and colors.
• Make It Meal-Prep Friendly: Store cooled stir fry in airtight containers for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Different Ways To Cook Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Chicken Protein Switch: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar lean protein option that maintains the dish's original flavor profile and cooking technique.
• Tofu Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground turkey with firm tofu, crumbled and pressed, for a plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional rice and use 100% cauliflower rice as a base to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition to the stir fry.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Goes Well With Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the savory teriyaki sauce and complement the ground turkey's mild flavor. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the dish's richness while enhancing its Asian-inspired profile.
• Serve with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Create a tangy side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of sugar. This refreshing accompaniment provides a cool contrast to the warm stir fry and adds textural variety.
• Garnish with Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds over the finished dish to introduce a nutty crunch and enhance the teriyaki's depth. These seeds add visual appeal and bring an authentic Asian culinary touch to the presentation.

How To Store And Reheat Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the ground turkey remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture.

Common Questions About Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is lean, low in fat, and high in protein. It’s a healthier alternative to beef, providing essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B6, and phosphorus.

• Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using.

• What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

Broccoli and carrots are great, but you can also add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your corn starch is certified gluten-free to create a gluten-free version of this dish.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground turkey teriyaki stir fry brings Asian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinner tables with quick, zesty deliciousness. Colorful vegetables and savory sauce create a protein-packed meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 small onion (diced)

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 cup water (divided)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant teriyaki sauce by combining water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until ingredients meld together.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Whisk water and cornstarch in a separate bowl until completely smooth and lump-free.
4. Gradually incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
5. Remove from heat and infuse with bright orange zest, then set aside.
6. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet at medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
7. Sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
8. Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, cooking thoroughly until reaching 165°F and developing a golden-brown exterior, approximately 7-10 minutes.
9. Incorporate broccoli and carrots, cooking until vegetables are tender yet retain a slight crunch, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Reduce heat and drench the stir fry with prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated.
11. Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, or transform into delightful lettuce wraps for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Tenderize ground turkey by gently breaking it into small, even crumbles while cooking to ensure uniform texture and prevent tough, clumpy meat.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan-friendly options, maintaining the sweet undertone of the sauce.
• Balance sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce, which helps control salt intake without compromising the rich teriyaki flavor profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for extra vitamins and varied texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg