If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that checks all the boxes—comforting, protein-rich, and bursting with savory-sweet delight—let me introduce you to Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Tender ground turkey mingles with crisp-tender broccoli, vibrant carrots, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce to create a weeknight favorite that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Wonder: Dinner goes from zero to delicious in half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
- Ultra-Flavorsome Homemade Sauce: Skip the bottle—this ginger-garlic teriyaki sauce brings bright, zesty notes that totally outshine store-bought.
- Nutritious and Versatile: Packed with lean protein and crunchy veggies, it’s a feel-good meal you can easily adapt with your favorite stir fry add-ins.
- Family-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will be hooked, thanks to the irresistible sweet-savory balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe lets simple ingredients shine: each one adds just the right flavor, texture, or vibrant color to make your stir fry pop. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store—no specialty runs required!
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Choose lean ground turkey for a lighter dish, but don’t be afraid of a touch of fat for extra juiciness.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): The backbone of your teriyaki—use low sodium if you like things less salty.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp): Adds caramel notes and that classic teriyaki sweetness.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Brings gloss and subtle floral sweetness to the sauce.
- Water (1 cup, divided): Used both in the sauce and for mixing with cornstarch for thickening.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fragrant, punchy, and absolutely essential for depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated): Lively, zippy warmth—freshly grated makes all the difference!
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): For that glossy, classic thickened teriyaki finish.
- Orange zest (1 tbsp): The secret weapon—just a little instantly brightens the whole dish.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp): For sautéing; it infuses every bite with satisfying nutty aroma.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): You can use fresh or frozen—both cook up beautifully for crunch and color.
- Small onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base.
- Carrots (1 cup, shredded): A pop of color and mild sweetness that tucks into every forkful.
- Salt & pepper: Just a pinch to taste—the soy sauce brings most of the seasoning.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be shy—swap, add, or skip ingredients to match your taste, dietary needs, or what’s waiting in your fridge.
- Vegetarian Switch: Substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for turkey to keep it plant-based and just as protein-rich.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for even more color and crunch.
- Different Proteins: Try ground chicken, pork, or even lean beef for a twist on the classic flavor.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, ¾ cup water, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves, and bring it just to a gentle boil—let those flavors mingle and create a tantalizing base!
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
While your sauce is heating, whish together the remaining ¼ cup water and cornstarch in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Once the sauce is bubbling, slowly pour in the slurry while stirring. Keep stirring and watch as the sauce thickens up gorgeously—just a minute or two. Remove from heat and stir in that bright orange zest to finish. Set it aside until you’re ready to stir everything together.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Toss in the diced onion and cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink—about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt and pepper!
Step 4: Add Veggies and Finish the Stir Fry
Mix in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots with the cooked turkey. Stir everything together, allowing the veggies to steam and become crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes). Drop the heat to low, pour in your homemade teriyaki sauce, and stir well to coat every piece. Let it all simmer just a couple of minutes so the sauce slightly thickens and clings. It’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Sauce Consistency Magic: Always add the cornstarch slurry slowly and stir constantly—this prevents any lumps and ensures your teriyaki is perfectly glossy and smooth.
- Veggie Timing: If using frozen broccoli, give it a head start in the pan so it’s heated through and remains tender but not mushy.
- Brighten with Citrus: Don’t skip the orange zest! Add it off heat to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and aroma.
- Batch Cooking Bonus: This stir fry is phenomenal for meal prep—portion it over rice in containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for an eye-catching finish and even more flavor layers. If you love a burst of color, add delicate red chili threads or a few microgreens right before serving—it’s a simple upgrade that feels restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is dreamy over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, but don’t stop there—try quinoa for extra protein, or scoop it over cauliflower rice if you’re seeking something lighter. A salad of crisp cucumbers with a little rice vinegar or miso soup on the side adds a lovely, refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, make it a “lettuce wrap” night: spoon the saucy stir fry into large butter lettuce leaves for handheld fresh bites. Or crowd-please by serving it in bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg, extra drizzle of teriyaki, and plenty of scallions for a build-your-own stir fry bowl bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep beautifully—simply store your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated spoonful even more irresistible.
Freezing
This recipe is surprisingly freezer friendly! Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop your portion in a skillet or the microwave until piping hot. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of water to loosen it up and restore its silky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe and will still soak up all that delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. The result is a slightly lighter flavor, but just as satisfying and juicy.
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Is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free?
It can be—just swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular version, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free. Everything else is naturally free from gluten!
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Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir fry?
Yes, frozen broccoli or carrot matchsticks work beautifully. Just add them to the skillet straight from the freezer, and allow a couple extra minutes for them to heat through all the way.
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What’s the best way to double the recipe?
If you’re feeding a crowd or planning for meal prep, doubling is easy—just use a large wok or skillet! Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, and consider cooking the turkey in two batches for maximum browning and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is exactly the kind of easy, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again. I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to this cozy favorite soon—don’t be surprised if it earns a regular spot in your weeknight dinner lineup. Enjoy every sweet-savory bite!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines savory teriyaki sauce with tender ground turkey and crisp vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 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
For the Stir Fry
- 1 pound 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
- For the Teriyaki Sauce – Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil. Whisk 1/4 cup water and corn starch together until dissolved. Slowly stir in the corn starch mixture and allow to thicken. Remove from heat, stir in the orange zest, and set aside.
- For the Stir Fry – Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, then add turkey and cook until fully cooked. Add broccoli and carrots, then stir in the Teriyaki sauce. Simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
