If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and packs a punch of savory and sweet notes, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s an irresistible mix of lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, enriched with a zesty hint of orange that lifts the whole dish. The balance of textures and flavors will have you coming back for seconds while knowing you’re treating yourself to a nutritious, colorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and aroma that’s both comforting and exciting. From the fragrant garlic and fresh ginger that spark life into the sauce, to the bright crunch of fresh broccoli and carrots, each element is simple but essential.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami base of the teriyaki sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds warm sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
- Water: Used both to simmer the sauce and create the perfect consistency with cornstarch.
- Honey: Brings a natural smooth sweetness that complements the citrus zest.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a pungent, savory depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Offers a bright, slightly spicy kick.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a velvety sheen.
- Orange zest: Adds a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor twist.
- Ground turkey: Lean protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness to the stir fry base.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch and vibrant green color, loaded with nutrients.
- Small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture.
- Shredded carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a pop of bright orange.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the savory flavors.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, ¾ cup water, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle simmer so the ingredients meld together beautifully. Then, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup water until smooth and whisk it into the sauce. Let it simmer until perfectly thickened and glossy. This is the magic that will coat your stir fry with irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the foundation of savory goodness, softening the onions and releasing their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break it apart with a spatula and cook, stirring, until it’s browned through and no longer pink. The turkey will soak up those aromatic flavors, becoming juicy and tender.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, mixing them evenly with the turkey and onions. Cook until the broccoli is tender but still crisp—cover the pan briefly if you’re using fresh broccoli to speed up this step. The colors and textures here brighten the dish and keep things lively.
Step 5: Combine with Sauce
Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the stir fry and toss everything together so every bite is coated in that glossy, tangy-orange glaze. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors settle perfectly and the dish is heated through.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve this wholesome Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe steaming hot over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles. Feel free to sprinkle on sesame seeds or chopped green onions to add a little extra flair and crunch.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions instantly elevates the dish’s presentation and adds fresh, nutty crunch and mild oniony brightness. A few red chili flakes can bring a splash of heat if you like things spicy!
Side Dishes
Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles to soak up any extra sauce. Alternatively, a simple cucumber salad or lightly steamed edamame would add a refreshing, crisp balance to the warm, saucy stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups for a light, handheld meal or scoop it into warm flour tortillas for a fusion taco experience. You could also plate it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that’s just as satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep the rice or noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too; cover loosely to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce. It may be slightly fattier, so keep an eye on cooking to avoid excess grease.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the savory notes without gluten. This little swap makes the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe accessible to many more diets.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
You can definitely use frozen broccoli florets and carrots; just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking. Frozen veggies are a convenient option that still provide wonderful flavor and texture.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey slightly, or add a splash more soy sauce for extra saltiness. Tasting as you go helps find your perfect balance.
What should I serve with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe for a complete meal?
Serving it over steamed rice or noodles gives you a filling base, while adding a fresh side like a crisp cucumber salad or miso soup rounds out the meal with complementary flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe ready to go, I can’t wait for you to experience how effortlessly delicious and satisfying it is. It’s the perfect dish to bring brightness, warmth, and a sweet-savory punch to your table, any day of the week. Dive in and share this tasty tradition with family and friends—they’ll thank you for it!
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
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining lean ground turkey with a vibrant teriyaki sauce made from soy, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger. Tossed with fresh or frozen broccoli, carrots, and onion, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ¾ cup water, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add vegetables: Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender, covering the skillet briefly if using fresh broccoli to help steam them, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the stir fry and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey to your taste.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Fresh ginger can be substituted with ½ tsp ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh is preferred for better flavor.
- Optional toppings like sesame seeds or green onions add a nice finishing touch but are not required.
