If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, full of vibrant colors, and comes together quickly, you’re going to love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe. It combines lean ground turkey with crisp vegetables and a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and zesty notes. Whether you want to impress your family with a nutritious dinner or whip up a weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward, this recipe hits all the right spots. Plus, the mix of textures and the hint of fresh orange zest make it a standout on the stir fry scene.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Each item brings something important to the table, from the savory depth of soy sauce to the refreshing brightness of fresh ginger and orange zest.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone essential to teriyaki flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce beautifully.
- Water: Used to create a perfect sauce consistency and helps dissolve the cornstarch.
- Honey: Boosts the sweetness with a floral note that pairs so well with garlic and ginger.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a pungent, aromatic base that energizes the flavor profile.
- Fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a slight peppery zing that elevates the dish.
- Corn starch: Thickens the teriyaki sauce to a silky glaze that clings deliciously to the turkey and veggies.
- Orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy pop that’s unexpected but delightful.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein star of this stir fry, taking on all the yummy flavors.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a smoky nuttiness that’s classic to Asian stir fry dishes.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch, color, and a boost of nutrients.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked.
- Shredded carrots: Give a splash of vibrant orange and natural sweetness to the mix.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the mixture warms, blending all these flavors together until it comes to a low boil. Meanwhile, whisk ¼ cup water with cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into your simmering sauce and stir continuously until thickened. Remove from heat right away, then stir in that vibrant touch of orange zest. Set this luscious sauce aside for when it’s time to bring everything together.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey and Veggies
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened and slightly translucent, which usually takes a few minutes. Now add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula, and cook until it’s fully done and no pink remains (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). This is where the dish starts to build its hearty foundation.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook these just until tender but still crisp—this keeps the texture lively and fresh. It only needs a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to ensure every bite is coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for a minute or two so all the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add a slight crunch and enhance the nutty notes from the sesame oil. Thinly sliced green onions also work wonders, adding a fresh and mildly sharp contrast that brightens the entire plate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, absorbing that sweet and savory sauce wonderfully. You could also try it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb twist. Pairing with a simple cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables brings a refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, interactive meal, serve this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce wraps, letting everyone create their own bright, crunchy bites. Another great presentation is spooning it into warm pita pockets for an unexpected fusion. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add even more layers of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve the texture of the vegetables. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help revive the sauce’s consistency if it thickened too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will still absorb the flavors of the teriyaki sauce beautifully while keeping the dish lean and tasty.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply swap traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos—then you’re good to go!
How spicy is this stir fry?
This recipe is naturally mild and sweet, but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn are excellent additions that will add color and flavor diversity while keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of orange zest?
If you don’t have orange zest on hand, a little lemon zest or even a splash of orange juice can provide a similar citrus brightness to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a fresh, flavorful, and easy-cooking meal to their weekly menu. It’s nutritious, colorful, loaded with layers of tastes and textures, and perfect for sharing dinner with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without 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 healthy meal packed with tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a citrusy hint from orange zest, all cooked in one skillet for convenience.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir frequently to mix all ingredients well.
- Cook and Thicken Sauce: Bring the mixture to a low boil. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to make a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken, then immediately remove from heat. Stir in the orange zest, and set the sauce aside until ready to use.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for several minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with onions. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are heated through and tender but still crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Let it simmer together for a few minutes so flavors meld and the sauce thickens further.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or your choice of side.
Notes
- Ensure ground turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Fresh ginger can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce salt content.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
