Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious yet nutritious. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish appeals to everyone at the table. Whether you need a fast family dinner, meal prep for the week, or a tasty option for guests, this stir fry fits the bill. The homemade teriyaki sauce, enhanced with a hint of orange zest, adds a unique twist that elevates the entire dish.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For Garnish
• How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry
• Step 3: Serve Your Dish
• How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Over Rice
• With Noodles
• In Lettuce Wraps
• On Cauliflower Rice
• As Meal Prep
• With Additional Toppings
• How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use chicken instead of turkey in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
• What vegetables work best in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
• How do I make this dish spicier?
• Can I meal prep Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavorful Twist: The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a delightful sweetness paired with savory notes.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and lean ground turkey, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as lettuce wraps for a fun presentation.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process and ensure everything comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for even cooking and tossing of ingredients.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for making the teriyaki sauce without crowding your main cooking area.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of ingredients, especially when making sauces.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ¼ 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, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

PIN THIS!

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until fully dissolved.
4. Slowly stir the corn starch slurry into the saucepan and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry

In your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat sesame oil.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground turkey; cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add broccoli and shredded carrots; cook until heated through and tender (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low; pour prepared teriyaki sauce over stir fry. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Serve Your Dish

Serve the stir fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps for an extra touch!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a fun twist for meal prep, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Serve the stir fry over steamed white or brown rice for a classic and filling meal.

With Noodles

• Toss the stir fry with cooked noodles such as soba, udon, or rice noodles for a hearty and comforting dish.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to scoop up the stir fry for a fresh and low-carb option. This makes a great handheld meal.

On Cauliflower Rice

• For a lighter alternative, serve the stir fry on cauliflower rice. This keeps it healthy while adding a unique texture.

As Meal Prep

• Divide the stir fry into meal prep containers with sides of rice or noodles for quick lunches throughout the week.

With Additional Toppings

• Enhance your dish with toppings like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.

How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

To ensure your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only taste better but also add more nutrients to your dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to allow even cooking and browning of the ground turkey.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey; for saltiness, increase soy sauce according to your taste.
• Cook at High Heat: Stir frying at high heat helps seal in flavors and gives the dish that sought-after wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor.
• Let it Simmer: After adding the teriyaki sauce, let it simmer briefly to meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Try Different Proteins: Feel free to experiment with ground chicken, pork, or vegan options if desired. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to your stir fry.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Pairing side dishes with your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple yet nutritious side that complements the flavors of teriyaki nicely.
2. Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into fried rice with eggs and vegetables for added texture and taste.
3. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame makes a perfect finger food or snack alongside your stir fry.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and warmth to your meal.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with soy sauce and sesame oil balances the richness of the stir fry.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Serve pickled radishes or carrots as a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish.
7. Naan Bread: For a fusion twist, serve warm naan bread as an alternative carb option.
8. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini provides a fun low-carb alternative that absorbs teriyaki flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Skipping the sauce preparation: Not making the teriyaki sauce from scratch can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always prepare your own sauce for the best results.
• Overcooking the turkey: Cooking ground turkey for too long can make it dry. Cook just until it reaches 165°F for juicy meat.
• Neglecting vegetable freshness: Using wilted vegetables can ruin the dish’s texture and flavor. Always use fresh or properly frozen veggies.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust salt and pepper could leave your stir fry bland. Always season to taste before serving.
• Using too high heat: Cooking on excessive heat may burn the ingredients rather than stir-frying them evenly. Keep your skillet at medium-high for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place stir fry in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground chicken for ground turkey without changing the recipe significantly.

What vegetables work best in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

While broccoli and carrots are classic choices, feel free to add snow peas, bell peppers, or any favorites you have on hand.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add a kick, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I meal prep Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep; just store portions in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Try it out today and enjoy a healthy meal that everyone will love!

---