Quick & Savory Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Ground turkey teriyaki stir fry brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your weeknight dinner routine.

Lean protein meets sweet and savory sauce in this quick meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Minimal chopping and fast cooking make this dish perfect for busy households.

Fresh vegetables add color and nutrition to the protein-packed base.

Colorful bell peppers and crisp green onions create a vibrant plate.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine for an incredible flavor experience.

This recipe promises a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Works So Well

• Quick-Prep Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean ground turkey, this stir fry delivers a protein-rich meal loaded with vegetables, making it a super healthy dinner option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Serving Styles: Enjoy this recipe over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, or transform it into delicious lettuce wraps, giving you multiple ways to enjoy the same delectable dish without getting bored.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Using common pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and fresh vegetables, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, making this a perfect meal that satisfies different taste preferences while sneaking in nutritious vegetables.

What’s Inside Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a healthy protein source for the stir fry.
• Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the teriyaki sauce.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the stir fry.
• Broccoli, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add nutritional value and texture to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Brown Sugar: Create a classic sweet and savory teriyaki flavor profile.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide depth and traditional Asian-inspired aromatics to the sauce.

• Corn Starch, Water: Help to thicken the teriyaki sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor and helps with cooking the ingredients.

Steps For Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up Teriyaki Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and combine water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the ingredients mingle and create a harmonious base for your sauce.

Step 2: Bring Sauce to Life

Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle low boil, letting the flavors start to dance and blend together.

Step 3: Create Corn Starch Magic

In a separate small bowl, whisk water and corn starch until completely smooth and free of lumps. This magical mixture will help thicken your sauce perfectly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the corn starch mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously. Watch as the sauce transforms and becomes beautifully thick and glossy.

Step 5: Add Zesty Finish

Remove the saucepan from heat and sprinkle in fresh orange zest. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the stir fry.

Step 6: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 7: Sauté Onions

Toss diced onions into the hot skillet and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Cook Ground Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until it’s completely done. Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 9: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce broccoli and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 10: Bring It All Together

Lower the heat and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the stir fry. Stir gently to coat everything evenly and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your ground turkey teriyaki stir fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. For a lighter option, use as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps.

Simple Tricks For Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Boost Sauce Flavor: Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to the teriyaki sauce for extra depth and tanginess.
• Perfect Meat Texture: Break ground turkey into small crumbles while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large chunks.
• Vegetable Crunch Control: Add broccoli and carrots at the end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter, grain-free meal option.
• Quick Meal Prep: Cook extra ground turkey teriyaki and store in refrigerator for easy lunch or dinner reheating within 3-4 days.

Tasty Swaps For Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with crumbled extra-firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version that maintains similar texture and protein content.
• Chicken Alternative: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or diced chicken breast for a classic poultry-based stir fry with identical cooking techniques.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the teriyaki flavor profile intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for those who enjoy a bold, heat-packed stir fry experience.

What Goes With Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Perfectly Complementary Beverages: Crisp Japanese rice beer (Sapporo or Asahi) balances the teriyaki's sweet and savory profile with refreshing, light carbonation.
• Flavor-Boosting Side Companion: Cucumber sunomono salad provides a cool, tangy contrast that cuts through the rich teriyaki sauce and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Texture-Enhancing Carbohydrate Partner: Steamed jasmine rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, creating a perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the ground turkey stir fry.
• Aromatic Wine Pairing: Select a slightly off-dry Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the teriyaki's honey and brown sugar notes while offering crisp acidity to balance the dish's richness.

How To Store Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Right

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the stir fry completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the ground turkey teriyaki stir fry in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef work perfectly as substitutes in this teriyaki stir fry recipe.

• Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Not typically. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers during cooking to increase the heat level.

• What if I don't have fresh ginger or garlic?

Use powdered ginger and garlic granules as substitutes, though fresh ingredients provide more vibrant flavor.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground turkey teriyaki stir fry brings Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with remarkable ease. Quick weeknight dinners find new excitement when bold teriyaki sauce mingles with lean protein and crisp vegetables you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant teriyaki sauce by blending water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until ingredients meld together.
2. Allow the mixture to gently bubble, creating a foundation for the sauce’s rich flavor profile.
3. Create a smooth corn starch slurry by whisking water and corn starch until completely dissolved, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Incorporate the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
5. Elevate the sauce’s complexity by folding in fragrant orange zest, then set aside to await the final dish.
6. Warm sesame oil in a spacious wok or skillet, preparing the stage for a flavor-packed stir fry.
7. Introduce diced onions to the hot surface, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, cooking thoroughly until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, typically taking 7-10 minutes.
9. Incorporate broccoli and shredded carrots, allowing them to soften and become tender while absorbing the skillet’s flavors, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Reduce heat and generously coat the stir fry with the prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring every morsel is luxuriously glazed.
11. Present the dish atop rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, or transform it into a delightful lettuce wrap filling.

Notes

• Boost flavor by marinating ground turkey in some teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Balance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased fiber and vitamins without changing core recipe structure.
• Meal prep friendly: This stir fry stores perfectly in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg