This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It’s not only packed with sweet and savory flavors, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes. The homemade teriyaki sauce, featuring a hint of orange zest, makes this dish stand out. Whether served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is sure to delight the whole family.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- For the Stir Fry:
- 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
- How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Over Rice
- In Noodles
- In Lettuce Wraps
- With Cauliflower Rice
- As Meal Prep Bowls
- Topped with Green Onions
- How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
- How do I customize my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
- Can I make this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry ahead of time?
- What do I serve with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of homemade teriyaki sauce and ground turkey creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Healthy Ingredients: With plenty of vegetables and lean protein, this stir fry is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or protein options like ground chicken or beef.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand for preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: These provide ample space for cooking and allow even heat distribution for perfectly cooked ingredients.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the teriyaki sauce without overcrowding your workspace.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the corn starch slurry to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
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

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.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until fully dissolved.
5. Slowly stir the corn starch slurry into the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry
In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat sesame oil.
2. Add diced onion; 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 the stir fry.
6. Stir to coat evenly; let simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Serve
Serve your delicious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it over rice or wrapped in lettuce, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Over Rice
- Use white rice for a classic pairing, or opt for brown rice for a healthier choice.
- Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant touch that complements the stir fry perfectly.
In Noodles
- Serve over cooked udon or soba noodles for a heartier meal.
- Rice noodles provide a gluten-free option that works beautifully with the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves as a fresh and low-carb alternative.
- Fill each leaf with the stir fry mixture for a fun and interactive dining experience.
With Cauliflower Rice
- For a low-calorie option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice.
- This adds texture without adding too many carbs, making it ideal for health-conscious diners.
As Meal Prep Bowls
- Portion out the stir fry into containers with your choice of base (rice, noodles, etc.) for easy meal prep.
- It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.
Topped with Green Onions
- Garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
- This simple addition enhances both appearance and taste, making your dish more appealing.
How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
To create the perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, follow these helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables will improve both taste and nutrition. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, affecting flavor.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you find the teriyaki sauce too thick, simply add water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to sear the turkey and vegetables quickly, locking in flavors while keeping them tender-crisp.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety and added nutrients.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any remaining stir fry in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Pairing side dishes with your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Steamed Broccoli
Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and crunch while being packed with nutrients. - Fried Rice
A classic companion, fried rice can incorporate leftover vegetables and is always a crowd-pleaser. - Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies offer a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the stir fry’s texture. - Edamame
Lightly salted edamame pods are a protein-rich snack that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes. - Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil provides a cool balance to the warm stir fry. - Miso Soup
A light miso soup can cleanse the palate and add warmth to your meal without overwhelming flavors. - Quinoa
Serve quinoa as a healthy grain alternative packed with protein, making it an excellent base for your stir fry. - Kimchi
Spicy kimchi adds depth of flavor and probiotics that enhance digestion alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the ground turkey to marinate in teriyaki sauce can lead to bland flavors. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for enhanced taste.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Ignoring Sauce Thickness: If your teriyaki sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the stir fry well. Adjust the thickness by adding more corn starch slurry as needed.
- Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Poor-quality soy sauce can ruin the flavor of your dish. Opt for a good quality soy sauce for better taste.
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Eyeballing ingredients can lead to imbalanced flavors. Always measure ingredients for consistent results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Place cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stir fry in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that includes hints of orange zest.
How do I customize my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas. You may also adjust the sweetness of the sauce by changing the amount of honey or brown sugar.
Can I make this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the stir fry fresh when you are ready to eat.
What do I serve with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it appealing to everyone in the family. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice levels; you’ll love how simple it is to adapt!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the delightfully quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. This dish bursts with sweet and savory flavors, thanks to a homemade teriyaki sauce infused with orange zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps. Packed with healthy ingredients, including lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables, this stir fry is not only nutritious but also customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To make the teriyaki sauce, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil.
- In a bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup water with corn starch until dissolved. Slowly stir into the saucepan until thickened. Remove from heat and add orange zest.
- In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey; cook until fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Stir in broccoli and shredded carrots; cook until heated through (about 5-7 minutes). Pour teriyaki sauce over stir fry and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg