Tasty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe / Family Favorite!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hunger without sacrificing taste.

A ground turkey teriyaki stir fry delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with delightful ease.

Tender ground turkey sizzles in a rich, sweet teriyaki sauce, creating a protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant color and crunch to this simple yet impressive dish.

Each bite blends savory meat with bright vegetable notes and that signature teriyaki glaze.

Colorful bell peppers and tender onions complement the ground turkey’s hearty texture.

You’ll love how this stir fry transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 278 kcal

Servings: 5

Ground Turkey Stir Fry: Ingredient List

For Protein:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein with rich savory flavor, best when freshly ground and minimally processed from reputable butchers or grocery stores.
For Aromatic Base:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Foundational flavor boosters that add depth and authentic Asian-inspired brightness, choose fresh over dried for maximum zest.
For Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Umami-rich liquid providing deep, salty complexity, opt for low-sodium versions for better health control.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances sauce's richness, look for clear, clean-tasting varieties.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener creating silky sauce texture, select raw local honey for enhanced nutritional benefits.
  • Water: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly and adjust consistency.
  • Cornstarch: al thickening agent creating glossy sauce with perfect coating ability.
For Vegetable Mix:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Colorful nutrient powerhouses adding texture and visual appeal, select seasonal fresh produce for maximum crispness.
For Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds: Nutty, crunchy topping providing textural contrast, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh, sharp accent bringing brightness and color, slice thinly for even distribution.

Kitchen Tools for Quick Teriyaki Stir Fry

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for cooking ground turkey and stir-frying vegetables at high heat.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking apart ground turkey and stirring ingredients without scratching pan.
  • Small Bowl: Used for whisking together teriyaki sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components and dissolve cornstarch quickly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for slicing green onions as garnish.

Cook Teriyaki Stir Fry in a Flash

  • Brown the Turkey Crumbles Heat a skillet with a splash of oil and cook ground turkey until it's nicely caramelized and crumbly. Break up the meat as it sizzles, ensuring each piece gets golden and delicious.
  • Awaken the Aromatics Toss minced garlic and ginger into the same pan, letting their fragrant dance and release tantalizing scents that'll make your kitchen smell incredible.
  • Sizzle the Veggies Slide colorful vegetable medley into the pan, stirring quickly to keep them crisp and vibrant. Let them dance and soften just enough to retain their natural crunch.
  • Create Teriyaki Whisk together a quick sauce using soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and a touch of water. Pour this liquid gold over the turkey and vegetables, coating everything in glossy, sweet-savory goodness.
  • Finish and Feast Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few moments, ensuring every morsel is glazed with rich teriyaki flavor. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish before serving this mouth-watering stir fry that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet + Savory Teriyaki Flavor Tips

  • Prepare this stir fry in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein crumbles for diverse dietary needs and flavor adventures.
  • Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas to keep the dish exciting and nutritionally rich.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of traditional rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat lovers, or keep it mild for those with sensitive palates by adjusting the spice quantities to personal preference.

Serve Stir Fry in Bowls or Lettuce Wraps

  • Asian Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the stir fry over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the teriyaki sauce to soak into each grain for maximum flavor.
  • Noodle Fusion Fix: Toss the ground turkey teriyaki stir fry with hot udon, soba, or rice noodles for a quick and satisfying meal with great texture variation.
  • Fresh Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Spoon the warm stir fry into crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine for a low-carb, refreshing alternative that adds crunch and lightness.
  • Protein-Packed Salad Topper: Cool the stir fry slightly and scatter it over a bed of mixed greens, adding extra veggies like cucumber and radish for a nutritious and filling lunch option.

Storage Guide for Stir Fry Meals

  • Let the stir fry cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Portion the stir fry into individual meal-sized containers and freeze for convenient future meals, staying fresh for 2-3 months.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • What's the best pan to use for this stir fry?

A large skillet or wok works perfectly for even heat distribution and enough space to cook all ingredients without overcrowding.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient alternative. Just add them directly to the pan and cook until they’re heated through and tender.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the teriyaki sauce?

Cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy, smooth texture that coats the turkey and vegetables evenly.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a few dashes of chili oil during the cooking process to increase the heat level to your preference.

Print
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Tasty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Tasty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry brings together succulent turkey and crisp vegetables in a savory Asian-inspired dish. Bold flavors and quick preparation make this meal perfect for weeknight dinners that satisfy craving for delicious, nutritious comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tbsps honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
  • ½ tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium-high, coat with olive oil, and brown ground turkey until fully cooked and caramelized, breaking into small crumbles while cooking.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for one minute, releasing their robust flavors and creating a fragrant base for the dish.
  3. Vegetable Integration: Add mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring and cooking until they reach a crisp-tender texture, maintaining vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  4. Teriyaki Sauce Crafting: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, water, and cornstarch in a separate bowl, ensuring a smooth, glossy liquid without any lumps.
  5. Sauce Incorporation: Return ground turkey to the vegetable mixture, pour the teriyaki sauce over the ingredients, and stir continuously to coat evenly and allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize.
  6. Finishing Touch: Transfer the stir fry to serving plates, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, creating a visually appealing and flavor-enhanced presentation.

Notes

Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose lean ground turkey and crisp, colorful vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional value.

Prevent Meat Overcooking: Break ground turkey into small, uniform pieces while stirring to ensure even browning and prevent tough, dry texture.

Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings perfectly to meat and vegetables.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option, use tamari for gluten-free version, or add extra vegetables for increased nutrition and volume.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 278
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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