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Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner that will please the whole family? Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is the perfect choice! In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a mouth-watering, savory meal with a balance of sweet teriyaki sauce, juicy ground turkey, and vibrant veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this dish is your go-to solution.
Fun fact: this stir fry is like the turbocharged cousin of a regular stir fry. It’s fast, full of flavor, and has that umami-packed kick we all crave in a good stir fry. The best part? It’s healthier than many of its takeout counterparts and will save you some cash! Pair this recipe with other fan favorites like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a delightful dinner spread. Now, let’s dive into why this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry will become a regular on your dinner table.
What is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Have you ever wondered, “Why on earth does ground turkey make such a delicious stir fry?” Well, here’s the scoop: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish that combines tender ground turkey with sweet, savory teriyaki sauce and crunchy vegetables. But what makes this stir fry so special? It’s packed with flavor without the guilt, and it’s ready in a flash. And let’s face it—when something tastes this good and is ready in 20 minutes, you know it’s a keeper! As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish will definitely win over the hearts of anyone lucky enough to try it. Ready to give it a go? Let’s make it happen!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you crave something both tasty and quick. First, the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is super easy to make—no complicated ingredients or long cooking times involved. Second, by making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and avoid the added sugars or preservatives found in takeout. Plus, ground turkey is a lean protein that’s budget-friendly and can be swapped out for other meats if needed.
But the real magic happens when you combine the turkey with the teriyaki sauce. The sweet, salty, and tangy sauce elevates the dish and brings out the best in the ground turkey, creating an irresistible stir fry. Think of it as the cousin of your favorite Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, but with an even better twist. Don’t just take our word for it—give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Quick Overview
Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is as easy as it gets! You only need a handful of ingredients, and with just 20 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious meal ready. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—cooking the ground turkey, adding a tasty homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, and stir-frying your choice of vegetables together. It’s so good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!
Need more quick and tasty dinner ideas? Our One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken is another great option that you can try.
Key Ingredients for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
To make the best Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping all the vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, and broccoli). If you’re serving the stir fry with rice, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Sauté the Veggies: Once the turkey is browned, add the garlic, ginger, and vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and honey. Pour this sauce over the turkey and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry and toss everything together. Serve over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
What to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry With
For a well-rounded meal, pair your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with sides that complement its savory flavors. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the stir fry, or you can serve it with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for an extra boost of flavor. For an Asian-inspired twist, Egg Roll in a Bowl makes a great side dish!
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have in the fridge. Snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms can add variety to the stir fry.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a punch of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, ground ginger works too. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste!
- Perfect Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) to the stir fry during the last minute of cooking.
For more tips on making healthy stir fry dishes, be sure to check out our Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe bag or container and keep it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave it until warm or heat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s sizzling and delicious again.
For more meal prep-friendly recipes, explore our Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for easy and flavorful make-ahead meals.
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil for stir-frying
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp honey optional, for sweetness
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil for extra flavor
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break the turkey apart as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink and has a nice golden color.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the turkey and stir for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant aromas.Then, add the broccoli florets, carrots, and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Continue stir-frying everything for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still slightly crisp. This helps them maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and honey (optional). If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your taste.Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked turkey and vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and incorporate fully into the stir fry.
- Add Sesame Oil: For that extra burst of flavor, drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry. Give everything a good toss to make sure the sesame oil is evenly distributed. This will enhance the dish’s depth of flavor and provide that signature nutty aroma.
- Serve: Once everything is well mixed and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it's time to serve. Spoon the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Pros:
- Quick and easy, ready in 20 minutes
- Healthy and packed with vegetables
- Full of flavor thanks to the teriyaki sauce
- Budget-friendly and uses basic ingredients
- Customizable with different vegetables
Cons:
- Requires constant attention while cooking
- May not be suitable for those avoiding soy sauce or gluten
- The sauce may need to be adjusted depending on taste preferences
FAQ
1. Is ground turkey good with teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! The lean nature of ground turkey pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of teriyaki sauce, creating a well-balanced dish.
2. Do you need to marinate ground turkey?
No, there’s no need to marinate ground turkey. The teriyaki sauce adds enough flavor during cooking.
3. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce for stir-fry?
Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works great for this recipe. Just ensure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
4. How to reuse teriyaki ground turkey?
Leftover teriyaki ground turkey can be used in wraps, on salads, or as a filling for sandwiches.
5. Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?
Teriyaki sauce should be added during the cooking process, so the turkey and vegetables can absorb the flavors.
6. How to cook turkey stir-fry?
Cook the turkey in a hot pan, break it apart, and add your vegetables and sauce. Stir-fry until everything is cooked through and coated in sauce.
7. What seasoning goes best with ground turkey?
Ground turkey pairs well with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce for a flavorful stir-fry.
8. When not to cook ground turkey?
Avoid cooking ground turkey if it appears discolored or smells off. Always check the expiration date before cooking.
9. How to enhance the flavor of ground turkey?
To enhance the flavor, season it with garlic, soy sauce, or teriyaki sauce during cooking. Adding fresh herbs or a splash of sesame oil can also boost the taste.