Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

There’s something so comforting about a quick and flavorful stir fry, especially on a busy weeknight. This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is the perfect solution when you want a healthy, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with lean ground turkey, crisp-tender vegetables, and a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, this dish is both satisfying and incredibly simple to make.

Stir fries are one of my go-to meals because they’re so versatile. You can switch up the veggies, adjust the sauce to your liking, and serve it over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

If you love bold, umami flavors with a hint of sweetness, this recipe is going to be a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier alternative: Using ground turkey keeps this dish lean while still being flavorful and satisfying.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the teriyaki sauce.
• Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, so it will coat the turkey and vegetables beautifully once added to the stir fry.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but still have a slight crunch. Add the garlic and ginger in the last minute of cooking, stirring until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the teriyaki sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the turkey and veggies. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.

• Add extra veggies: Try mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to make it even more colorful and nutrient-dense.
• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Use fresh ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives this dish the best flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
• Thicken the sauce more: If you like a thicker sauce, mix ½ teaspoon extra cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in at the end.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Lean Protein

Notes

• Make it low-carb: Skip the rice and serve it with cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.
• Customize the veggies: This recipe is super versatile—swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Double the sauce: If you like extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, simply double the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
• Meal prep friendly: This stir fry stores well, making it a great option for make-ahead lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• For a crispier texture: If you prefer crisp-tender vegetables, cook them for a shorter amount of time or add them toward the end of the cooking process.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this stir fry for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. You can also toss it with noodles for a heartier dish.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed throughout the week.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other quick and flavorful meals:

• Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it a go-to dish for any night of the week. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a meal that will satisfy your cravings without a lot of effort.

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