Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

When you’re craving something quick, healthy, and full of flavor, this ground turkey teriyaki stir fry is the perfect recipe. It’s packed with lean protein, a mix of colorful veggies, and an irresistible sweet and savory sauce that brings it all together. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this stir-fry is a game-changer.

I love this recipe because it’s one of those meals that’s easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients at home.

Plus, it’s customizable. If you’re not a fan of one veggie, swap it out for something you like more. Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef or chicken, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

And don’t even get me started on the teriyaki sauce! It’s rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s so good that I sometimes make extra just to drizzle over rice or noodles.

The best part? You can make this stir-fry in about 30 minutes! It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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What is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a delicious and healthy dish that combines lean ground turkey with stir-fried vegetables, all tossed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving to guests.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and Easy to Make: In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking.
• Healthy and Lean: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, making this dish a healthier alternative to fattier meats like beef or pork.
• Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it the star of the dish.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies based on what you have in the fridge, or adjust the sauce’s sweetness to your liking.
• Family-Friendly: With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this stir-fry is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.

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Ingredient List

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)

For Garnish (optional):

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Ingredient Notes

• Ground Turkey: I always use lean ground turkey for this recipe to keep it healthy without sacrificing flavor. You can also use ground chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
• Soy Sauce: Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt levels. It balances well with the sweetness of the honey or maple syrup.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: I prefer using honey because it gives a natural sweetness, but maple syrup works wonderfully for a slightly different flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Don’t skip the sesame oil — it adds an authentic, nutty flavor that’s key to a great stir fry.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zing to the sauce, but ground ginger is a great substitute if you don’t have fresh on hand.
• Cornstarch: The cornstarch is optional, but it helps thicken the sauce if you prefer a richer texture. Just be sure to mix it with water before adding to the sauce!

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Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Skillet or Wok: You’ll need a large, deep skillet or wok to cook the ground turkey and vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula helps break up the turkey while cooking and stir the veggies without damaging your pan.
• Small Bowl for Sauce: A small bowl for whisking together the teriyaki sauce ingredients makes the process easier and quicker.
• Grater (if using fresh ginger): A fine grater is perfect for freshly grating ginger. If you don’t have one, you can use pre-ground ginger, but I always find fresh to be more fragrant.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accuracy when measuring the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

I use these all the time in my kitchen, and they’re essential for making sure your sauce has the perfect balance.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey

1. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up for about a minute.
2. Cook the turkey: Add 1 lb of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Brown the turkey: Stir occasionally until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, set it aside on a plate. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it off.

Pro Tip: Make sure the turkey is fully browned before setting it aside; this adds depth to the flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add more oil (if needed): In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) if the pan looks dry. You want a little bit of oil to keep the veggies from sticking.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add 1 thinly sliced bell pepper, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 thinly sliced onion to the pan. Stir them occasionally and cook until they soften but still have a bit of crunch, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds. You want to cook the garlic just enough to release its aroma, but be careful not to burn it!

Pro Tip: Keep the heat at medium-high to get a nice sear on the veggies while keeping their crispness.

Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup), 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
2. Add cornstarch (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a separate small bowl. Add it to the sauce mixture and whisk well to combine.

Pro Tip: Whisk the sauce ingredients together thoroughly to avoid any lumps, especially when using cornstarch.

Step 4: Combine the Turkey and Sauce

1. Add the turkey back in: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the veggies.
2. Pour the sauce over the mixture: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly.
3. Simmer: Let everything simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and blend with the turkey and veggies.

Pro Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t reduce too much.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the stir-fry for added texture and flavor.
2. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the turkey: Make sure the turkey is browned but not dry. Overcooking it can make the meat tough, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat once it’s fully cooked.
• Use high heat for the veggies: Stir-fry veggies on medium-high heat for that perfect balance of tender and crispy. This helps them stay vibrant and flavorful.
• Customize the sauce sweetness: Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more, but if you like it on the savory side, scale it back.
• Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over your rice or noodles, make a little extra of the teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick fix that adds even more flavor.
• Prep ahead: To save time during cooking, chop all your veggies and mince the garlic ahead of time. This makes the stir-fry process even faster!

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey: You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean beef, or pork if you prefer a different protein.
• Bell pepper: Feel free to use any color bell pepper or even swap it with zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms for a different veggie profile.
• Carrot: Shredded carrots work just as well in place of julienned carrots. You can also add some sliced baby corn or broccoli florets for variety.
• Soy sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos work as excellent substitutes for soy sauce.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives to honey if you want a different sweetener.
• Sesame oil: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, though it won’t have the same nutty flavor. Toasted sesame oil is best for authenticity, but regular sesame oil works fine too.
• Ginger: Ground ginger can replace fresh ginger if that’s all you have, but fresh adds a more vibrant taste.

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Serving Suggestions

• Over rice: Serve the stir fry on top of a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
• With noodles: Try it with cooked noodles, like soba or rice noodles, for an Asian-inspired twist.
• With cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice for a healthier, veggie-packed alternative.
• On a salad: This stir fry can also be served over a bed of greens, like spinach or arugula, for a lighter, fresher meal.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair it with roasted veggies, like broccoli or snap peas, for extra texture and flavor.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Allow the stir fry to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze it, let the stir fry cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.
• Microwave reheating: If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover the stir fry with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this stir fry spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. You can also throw in some chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies for a spicy kick.

Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef will give it a richer flavor, while ground chicken is a great alternative to turkey if you’re looking for a milder taste. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this stir fry is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it in individual containers, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

What other veggies can I add to this stir fry?

Feel free to mix it up! You can add mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or even baby corn. Just be sure to cook them to your preferred level of tenderness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your honey or maple syrup is pure, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free!

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Sure! If you’re short on time, a store-bought teriyaki sauce can be a quick substitute. Just make sure to taste it and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!