Tasty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

This quick and zesty ground turkey teriyaki stir fry bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and a savory teriyaki sauce, the recipe brings an exciting twist to weeknight dinners.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender ground turkey and crisp vegetables.

The homemade sauce infuses the dish with a delightful sweet and tangy profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh ingredients come together in less than 30 minutes, making this meal both convenient and delicious.

Spoon this mouthwatering stir fry over steamed rice and savor every flavorful moment.

Why You’ll Love Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Swap out ground turkey for chicken or tofu, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and protein choices.
• Packed with lean protein from ground turkey and colorful vegetables, this stir fry delivers a balanced, wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
• The homemade teriyaki sauce transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish, proving that gourmet taste doesn't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a delicious base for this stir fry and absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

• Broccoli Florets, Onion, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and crunch to the stir fry.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the teriyaki sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Honey: Enhances the sauce's sweetness and creates a glossy finish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Water: Used to dissolve and blend sauce ingredients.

• Garlic, Fresh Ginger: Adds warm, zesty flavor to the dish.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the teriyaki sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasons the ground turkey and balances overall taste.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers a garnish with a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Craft Zesty Teriyaki Sauce

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

Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.

Combine both mixtures, whisking to eliminate lumps.

Add orange zest for a citrusy kick.

Taste and adjust flavors as desired.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Drain excess liquid if necessary to prevent sogginess.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Broccoli florets
• Diced onion
• Shredded carrots

Stir and cook for 5 minutes.

Aim for vegetables that are tender yet crisp.

If using frozen broccoli, extend cooking time slightly.

Step 4: Blend and Simmer Sauce

Pour teriyaki sauce over turkey and vegetables.

Mix thoroughly to coat every morsel.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

The sauce should look glossy and coat the ingredients beautifully.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer stir fry to serving dishes.

Optionally serve over rice or noodles.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Enjoy your flavor-packed meal straight from the skillet!

Tips to Improve Ground Turkey Stir Fry

• Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to the teriyaki sauce for extra depth and tanginess.
• Drain excess liquid after cooking to prevent a watery stir fry and ensure proper browning.
• Cook vegetables briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or brown rice for added nutrition.
• Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to achieve perfect sauce thickness without making it too gloopy.

How to Keep Teriyaki Stir Fry Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the stir fry fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm ground turkey teriyaki in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even heating, typically taking 3-5 minutes.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Pair with Crisp Sake: Select a light, dry sake to complement the teriyaki's sweet and savory profile, cutting through the richness of ground turkey while enhancing the dish's Asian-inspired flavors.
• Garnish with Green Onion Crunch: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the stir fry to add a sharp, bright note that contrasts beautifully with the teriyaki sauce's sweetness and provides a fresh herbal accent.
• Balance with Cucumber Salad: Create a quick pickled cucumber side dish with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, rich stir fry, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Serve the ground turkey teriyaki over fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the sauce perfectly and offers a mild, fragrant base that allows the stir fry's bold flavors to shine.

Stir Fry Flavor Options to Explore

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Base: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables, perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey with firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a completely vegetarian version that maintains the teriyaki flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Version: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a more intense, spicy stir fry experience.

FAQs

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice for stir fry?

Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein option with lower fat content compared to ground beef. It’s packed with protein, contains fewer calories, and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc, making it a nutritious alternative for stir fry dishes.

• Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli, onions, and carrots with bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or any vegetables you prefer. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to maintain the right texture and crunch in your stir fry.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced fresh chili peppers directly into the teriyaki sauce or sprinkle them over the finished dish. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so you’ll need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe celiac-friendly. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent ground turkey teriyaki stir fry brings Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with incredible ease. Packed with colorful vegetables and zesty sauce, this quick meal delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb ground turkey

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Vegetables:

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

Liquid:

• 1 cup water, divided

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Instructions

1. Craft the teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, honey, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely. Create a smooth cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl, then integrate it into the sauce. Add orange zest for a citrusy kick, and adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for 6-7 minutes until thoroughly browned, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain any excess liquid to maintain a crisp texture.
3. Introduce broccoli florets, diced onions, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, ensuring vegetables remain vibrant and slightly crisp. If using frozen broccoli, extend cooking time slightly.
4. Drench the turkey and vegetables with prepared teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together. The sauce should cling beautifully to the ingredients.
5. Transfer the stir fry to serving plates. Optionally, serve over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey for plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of this dish, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious teriyaki flavors.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini, which boost color, texture, and overall nutrient profile without changing the core recipe.
• Control sodium intake by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt, making this stir fry a healthier option for those monitoring their salt consumption.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, cutting vegetables and mixing sauce in advance allows for quick and stress-free meal preparation during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg