If you are searching for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner, the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This vibrant dish combines lean ground turkey with an array of colorful vegetables, all coated in a luscious, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. It bursts with textures—from tender turkey to crisp snap peas—and layers of flavor. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something nutritious and utterly delicious without any hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create a stunning dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and fresh. Each element plays a vital role in delivering the texture, depth, and vibrant color that make this stir fry so irresistible.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean and flavorful protein base that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ideal for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked just right.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Provides vibrant color and a gentle sweetness.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Brings earthy flavor and a satisfying bite, packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced: Adds a pop of orange hue and subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup snap peas: Delivers crunch and freshness to balance the cooked ingredients.
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce: The sweet-savory heart of the dish; choose your favorite brand or make your own.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Boosts umami and deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Introduces a gentle zing and aromatic brightness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect coating consistency.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds a hint of sharpness.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted or plain, they offer a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper, then brown it, breaking it up as it cooks. This step ensures even cooking and a crumbly texture that perfectly absorbs the sauce later. Once browned, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside so you can focus on your veggies next.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrots, and snap peas. Cook the vegetables just until they are tender but still retain their delightful crispness—typically around 5 to 7 minutes. This builds a great contrast to the tender ground turkey and keeps each bite exciting.
Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. The cornstarch is the secret to turning this mixture into a silky glaze that will cling beautifully to everything in the stir fry, delivering that signature irresistible coating.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the browned ground turkey to the skillet with your sautéed vegetables and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Stir vigorously to ensure every piece of turkey and veggie is dressed in the glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything melds together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finish your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it immediately over fluffy steamed rice, nutty quinoa, or your favorite noodles for a complete, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds are more than just pretty touches—they add fresh brightness and a subtle crunch that elevate the whole dish. Feel free to add a dash of crushed red pepper for a little heat or a squeeze of lime for zesty contrast. These little extras personalize your plating and round out the flavors.
Side Dishes
The versatility of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe means it pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sauce beautifully. For an extra veggie boost, steamed bok choy or ginger-infused sautéed green beans make excellent accompaniments. A light cucumber salad would also offer a crisp, refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Experiment with presentation by serving the stir fry in individual lettuce cups for a fun hand-held option. Alternatively, pile it atop warm rice paper wraps for a fusion twist or stuff it into whole wheat wraps for a stir fry burrito vibe. Presentation is just as inviting as taste, so don’t be shy about getting creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes well! Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if the mixture seems dry. Avoid microwaving if possible, as stovetop reheating helps maintain the veggies’ crunch and sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as an alternative and will absorb the teriyaki flavors just as well. The texture and cooking time remain similar, making it a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and teriyaki sauce varieties. Many store-bought sauces contain wheat, so checking labels is important if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or even water chestnuts for additional crunch and flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all veggies are tender-crisp.
How do I make a homemade teriyaki sauce for this stir fry?
You can easily whip up a quick teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar or mirin, then simmering until thickened. Adding cornstarch slurry at the end helps create the perfect glaze.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the core of this recipe is ground turkey, transforming it into a vegetarian dish is easy—swap the turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian teriyaki sauce. Just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking your plant-based proteins.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying choice that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles while delivering on flavor and nutrition. Its colorful variety of vegetables combined with lean turkey and that sticky, sweet-savory sauce make every bite a delight. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorite quick meals to prepare and share.
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 healthy weeknight meal featuring lean ground turkey sautéed with vibrant vegetables and coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Packed with fresh flavors and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for serving over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a nutritious dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean protein option
Vegetables
- 1 onion – chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 bell pepper – sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets – fresh or frozen
- 1 cup carrots – thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas – for crunch
- 2 green onions – chopped for garnish
Sauce and Seasoning
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce – store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon ginger – grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – for thickening the sauce
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Sesame seeds – for garnish
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, thinly sliced carrots, and snap peas. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and glazes the stir-fry.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the stir fry hot over your choice of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that the teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini based on seasonal availability.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle of sriracha when combining the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
