If you are craving a wholesome, colorful, and flavorful dish, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. It combines lean protein-packed ground turkey with crisp broccoli and sweet shredded carrots, all coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce with a delightful hint of orange zest. This recipe is quick to make, bursting with vibrant textures and rich savory-sweet flavors that bring a satisfying and healthy twist to your weeknight meals. Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a delicious performance. Each component in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing balance, texture, and depth to the final dish.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami backbone essential to teriyaki flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory soy.
- Water: Used in the sauce for thinning and for dissolving the corn starch.
- Honey: Gives an extra layer of natural sweetness and sticky glaze to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Imparts robust, aromatic depth to the stir fry.
- Fresh ginger, grated or minced: Adds warmth and gentle spice to brighten the sauce.
- Corn starch: Thickens the teriyaki sauce to an irresistible glossy finish.
- Orange zest: Injects a fresh citrus lift that makes this stir fry stand out.
- Ground turkey: The lean, tender protein base that cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that infuses the entire stir fry.
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds crunch, vibrant color, and nutrition.
- Small onion, diced: Sweetens as it softens and complements the turkey.
- Shredded carrots: Contributes sweetness and vivid orange hues for visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper: Used to taste, they enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining 3/4 cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together to blend those lovely flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Meanwhile, whisk 1/4 cup of water with the corn starch until completely smooth—that slurry is your magic thickener. Slowly add this into the bubbling sauce, stirring as it thickens up into a glossy glaze. Don’t forget to remove the pan from heat as soon as it thickens, then stir in the orange zest to infuse your sauce with a fresh, citrusy zing. Set this beautiful sauce aside until your stir fry is ready for its flavorful coat.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Turkey
Next, warm the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for a few minutes until they soften and sweeten. Add the ground turkey next, breaking it apart with your spatula and cooking thoroughly until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F internally, about 7 to 10 minutes. Once your turkey is perfectly browned, add in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Stir constantly, cooking until the veggies are tender but still maintain a little crunch—this contrast is key to a great stir fry.
Step 3: Combine Everything with the Teriyaki Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then slowly pour in the teriyaki sauce you set aside earlier. Toss everything carefully to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in that sweet-savory glaze. Let it simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce warms through. Your homemade Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is now primed and ready to serve up piping hot.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding thoughtful garnishes can elevate your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe from great to unforgettable. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top for an appealing crunch and vibrant color. A handful of fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of sriracha can also add that extra pop of freshness or spice, according to your mood.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice or nutty brown rice, which soaks up that luscious teriyaki sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside simple steamed noodles tossed with a little soy sauce and sesame oil. Each option complements and balances the savory-sweet flavors of the stir fry without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a light, crispy bite. Alternatively, pile the stir fry over a bed of quinoa or even roasted sweet potatoes for a wholesome, colorful meal. Presentation with an eye-catching garnish or a side of pickled veggies can turn your casual dinner into a showstopper everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vibrant flavors tend to develop even more after sitting, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label it with the date so you know when to enjoy it by.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. To keep veggies crisp, avoid microwaving too long. A splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce during reheating can refresh the dish perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and works well with the teriyaki sauce, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Ensure all other ingredients, like corn starch, are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just adjust cooking times so veggies remain crisp-tender.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is mild and kid-friendly as is. You can easily add spice with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce if desired.
What’s the best way to thicken the teriyaki sauce?
The cornstarch slurry in this recipe is perfect for thickening the sauce to a glossy, sticky consistency. Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that bring family and friends together around the dinner table. It’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal that never feels ordinary. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident it will become a go-to for those moments when you want something satisfying, colorful, and downright delicious!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights. Featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh broccoli, carrots, and onions in a homemade teriyaki sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of orange zest, it delivers a delicious balance of savory and sweet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish that can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own.
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
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: Combine ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a low boil. Meanwhile, whisk together ¼ cup water and corn starch in a small bowl until fully dissolved. Slowly pour this slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stir Fry: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for several minutes until softened.
- Cook the Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, cooking and stirring until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Ensure turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots, cooking until they are heated through and tender.
- Combine with Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir well and simmer for several minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the ground turkey teriyaki stir fry over steamed rice or your preferred side, enjoying it hot.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness of the sauce according to your taste preference.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people or for leftovers.
- Fresh ginger works best, but ground ginger can be used if necessary (about ¼ teaspoon).
