Get ready to bring serious flavor to your weeknight dinner routine with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! This vibrant, colorful dish is loaded with lean protein, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re looking to clean out your veggie drawer or just craving quick comfort in a bowl, this recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying meal everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how each simple ingredient shines. Every component adds something special—whether it’s depth of flavor, crunch, or a pop of color—making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry irresistible and easy to throw together.
- Sesame oil: The key to that unmistakably rich, nutty aroma that opens the whole dish.
- Ground turkey: Satisfying and lean, it soaks up the bold teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives the stir fry its tempting, savory backbone.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds lively heat and brightness that wakes up the whole skillet.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Invites sweetness and color, plus a gentle crunch.
- Broccoli florets: Soaks up the sauce and offers a dose of tender green goodness.
- Snap peas: Provide snap and natural sweetness that pairs so well with teriyaki.
- Green onions (sliced): A final fresh flourish that adds color and zing.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a toasty, extra-special finish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the base of a savory, umami-rich teriyaki sauce.
- Honey or maple syrup: Balances out the saltiness with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances the sauce with subtle acidity.
- Cornstarch: The key to a lusciously thick sauce that clings to every bite.
- Water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a final wave of savory, nutty complexity to the teriyaki sauce.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. This homemade teriyaki sauce comes together in a flash and beats anything you’d buy bottled—plus, you get to control the balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in your biggest skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as you cook. In about 6 to 8 minutes, it should be fully browned and cooked through, soaking up that fragrant sesame base. This is your blank canvas for all the amazing flavors to follow.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Right after the turkey is browned, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute, just until they release their mouthwatering aromas. Suddenly, the whole kitchen smells deliciously inviting—that’s when you know it’s time to add the veggies.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies
Add the red bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the vegetables to stay bright, colorful, and tender-crisp—they’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce, so don’t overdo it.
Step 5: Sauce and Finish
Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet and toss everything so the turkey and veggies are well coated. Keep stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching the sauce thicken to that glossy perfection. Remove the pan from the heat and scatter over the sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Top each serving of Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with a flurry of fresh green onions and, if you like, a generous scattering of toasted sesame seeds. They add gorgeous color and a fun pop of texture that makes every bowl look restaurant-ready.
Side Dishes
Though it’s a complete meal on its own, this stir fry is magical on top of fluffy steamed rice, nutty brown rice, or even quinoa for extra protein. Noodle lovers can swirl soba or udon noodles underneath, soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option—perfect for parties or meal-prep lunches. Or pile it onto a grain bowl with edamame, shredded carrots, and avocado for an extra hearty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack up any leftovers in an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry keeps well for up to 4 days, making it awesome for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners when you just need something ready and delicious.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes surprisingly well! Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your portion over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening up. You can also use the microwave—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Try tossing in carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever veggies are waiting in your fridge. Just adjust the cooking time based on how quick they soften.
What can I use instead of ground turkey?
You can substitute ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based version. Each option delivers a slightly different flavor but still works beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.
Is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative. All the other ingredients remain naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is ideal for meal prepping. Portion it into containers with rice or noodles and you’ll have flavorful, ready-to-go meals all week long.
What if I want it spicy?
If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha alongside the garlic and ginger. You can also serve with chili crisp on the side for everyone to spice to their liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, nourishing, and flavor-packed dinner that pleases everyone, you have to try this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. It’s a trusty recipe that delivers every time, with endless ways to make it your own. Give it a go tonight and get ready for your new favorite stir fry adventure!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and quick Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
