Patrick Simon February 1, 2026

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Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas

Name: Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen; 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked rice; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds for garnish, optional; Green onions for garnish, optional

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A warm, salty-sweet aroma fills the kitchen as soy-scented steam rises from the skillet, the bright green of broccoli and peas popping against golden crumbles of seasoned ground turkey. Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and a little indulgent, without any fuss. It comes together quickly, makes a satisfying bowl over rice, and is perfect for busy evenings when you want home-cooked flavor without hours at the stove. If you like one-pan teriyaki meals, you might also enjoy this other version that leans into the same savory glaze and simple prep, check it out here ground turkey teriyaki stir fry.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish balances savory, sweet, and fresh in every spoonful, with tender ground turkey soaking up glossy teriyaki sauce and crisp-tender broccoli and peas adding freshness and texture. It is fast enough for a weeknight, yet flavorful enough to serve when friends pop over or when you want a nourishing solo dinner that feels like a treat. The combination of textures, from the slightly caramelized turkey to the pop of peas, keeps every bite interesting.

Simple swaps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe very approachable, and it scales easily for meal prep or a family supper. You can make it in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to sit down and enjoy the meal. Reasons to love this recipe include quick prep, bold flavor with minimal fuss, and adaptability for different diets and tastes.

Fast one-skillet cooking for busy nights
Bright vegetables for color and nutrition
Teriyaki glaze brings comfort and umami
Easy to customize for families or meal prep

What You’ll Need

Think of the ingredients as three roles, the protein for body, the vegetables for texture and color, and the sauce for bright, savory-sweet flavor. If you like, swap in turkey bacon for a smoking garnish in other dishes for a lighter touch, but here the lean ground turkey keeps things fresh and simple.

1 pound ground turkey
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Green onions for garnish, optional

Notes, fresh or frozen peas both work well, frozen is convenient and retains sweet flavor. Use a good quality teriyaki sauce, or make a quick homemade mix of soy sauce, a touch of brown sugar, and a splash of mirin alternative if you avoid cooking wine.

How to Cook Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, the oil should shimmer and smell warm, not smoking.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds, watching for the garlic to turn golden at the edges.
Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks, stir so the meat browns evenly and releases a savory steam. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, you want small, lightly caramelized bits.
Stir in broccoli and peas, tossing so the vegetables catch some of the turkey juices, cook until vegetables are tender but still bright green, about 4 to 5 minutes, you should see the broccoli change to a vivid color.
Pour teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is well coated, the sauce should glaze the meat and vegetables with a glossy sheen.
Simmer for a few minutes until heated through, the sauce will thicken slightly and cling to each piece, and you will notice the sweet, savory aroma deepen.
Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, scatter the toppings for a textured finish and a pop of color.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 15 minutes, Total ~ 25 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 420 each (estimate)

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

This recipe is fantastic for planning ahead, the components separate nicely for quick assembly later. You can brown the ground turkey and cool it before storing, chop or blanch the broccoli and portion the peas so everything reheats evenly. Cook the rice in advance and refrigerate in shallow containers so it cools quickly, then reheat rice and the turkey mixture together for the best texture.

If you plan to meal prep for the week, divide the turkey and vegetables into airtight containers over rice, and add sesame seeds and green onions at the last minute to keep their texture fresh. For a fresher finish, keep the sauce slightly separate if you prefer to toss everything together just before serving, that helps prevent the rice from getting too soft in storage.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, and consume within 3 to 4 days for best quality. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, label each container with the date and the contents. To thaw frozen portions, move to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently.

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat with a splash of water, broth, or a little extra teriyaki sauce to revive the glaze and prevent drying out. Microwave works too, cover loosely and stir halfway through, check temperature and finish with a quick toss in a hot skillet if you want to refresh texture. A good freshness cue is color and aroma, the greens should still look bright and the turkey should smell savory and not sour.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil for cooling contrast
Steamed edamame sprinkled with flaky sea salt for a simple starter
Pickled ginger or quick pickled carrots to cut through the glaze
A light miso soup for a comforting, savory first course
A side of toasted nori strips for crunch and umami lift

In one variation, serve the mixture over a bed of greens instead of rice for a warm salad, or spoon it into soft lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held option.

In a related take on the teriyaki bowl, try this alternate assembly for a grain bowl twist, it complements the flavors and offers a different presentation, see this version for inspiration teriyaki ground turkey bowl.

Variations and Swaps

Swap in brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier base, they add more fiber and a pleasant chew.
Add red bell pepper or shredded carrots when you stir in the broccoli, they bring sweetness and color.
For extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Replace half the ground turkey with ground chicken if you prefer a slightly different texture.
Stir a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil into the finished dish for a deeper nutty aroma, add at the end so the flavor stays bright.
Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch, keeping in mind nut allergies when serving others.
Make it gluten free by using tamari or a gluten free teriyaki sauce, check labels to ensure no wheat.
For a lighter version, steam the broccoli separately and fold it in at the end to keep it very crisp, reduce the cooking oil slightly.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use medium heat for browning the turkey, it allows caramelization without drying the meat.
Do not overcrowd the pan, give the turkey room to brown, that adds flavor and texture.
Taste and adjust the teriyaki amount, some store-bought sauces are saltier than others, so start with less and add more if needed.
Finish with green onions and sesame seeds off the heat, they add fresh aroma and a visual lift.
If using frozen peas, add them directly, but add a minute or two so they thaw and warm through without overcooking.
Let leftovers rest a minute after reheating, then give a quick stir to redistribute the glaze and steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best with this dish?
Short grain white rice or jasmine rice pairs well because of its slightly sticky texture that holds the teriyaki glaze, but brown rice or quinoa are great choices if you want more fiber and a nutty flavor. Cook the rice according to package directions and fluff it before serving.

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a fine substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor profile, it may be slightly milder so taste and adjust your seasoning. Ground beef is another option, but it will change the flavor and increase richness.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, Cook and cool the turkey and vegetables, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How can I make this dish spicier without overpowering the teriyaki?
Add chili garlic sauce or a spoonful of Sriracha when you stir in the teriyaki sauce, start with a small amount and taste, you can always add more for a steady build of heat. Fresh sliced chilies make a crisp, bright addition as a topping.

Can I make this gluten free?
Absolutely, swap standard teriyaki sauce for a gluten free tamari based sauce or a labeled gluten free teriyaki. Also check any packaged ingredients like pre-made sauces or rice mixes to be certain they are free of gluten.

How do I keep the broccoli vibrant and not mushy?
Cook the broccoli just until bright green and tender crisp, usually 4 to 5 minutes in the skillet. Avoid overcooking by testing a small piece for texture, you want a pleasant bite, not completely soft.

Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas is the kind of reliable, comforting recipe that puts dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor or balance. With its glossy teriyaki, savory browned turkey, and fresh green vegetables, it satisfies both appetite and the need for something wholesome and straightforward. Make a double batch for easy lunches, invite friends over for a casual bowl night, or simply enjoy a quiet dinner that tastes like care went into every step. Try it soon and notice how a few simple ingredients can come together to feel like a small celebration at the dinner table.

Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and quick weeknight dinner featuring savory ground turkey, crisp-tender broccoli, and peas, all glazed in teriyaki sauce and served over rice.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks; stir until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir in broccoli and peas, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Pour teriyaki sauce over the mixture, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.