Name: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 teaspoons sesame oil

This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is packed with sweet and savory flavors the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines the satisfying taste of ground turkey with a delightful homemade teriyaki sauce featuring a hint of orange zest. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a healthy meal that pairs well with rice, noodles, or even fresh lettuce wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this stir fry is an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Healthy: The homemade teriyaki sauce balances sweetness and savory notes, making every bite delicious without compromising on health.
Versatile Ingredients: Use ground turkey or substitute with chicken, pork, or beef based on your preference. Plus, mix in any vegetables you have on hand!
Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will love the taste of this dish, making it a hit at family dinners.
Easy Cleanup: One skillet means less mess and hassle in the kitchen while still creating an impressive meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry seamlessly, having the right kitchen tools will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Small saucepan
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Wok or large skillet: Offers ample space for even cooking and allows ingredients to stir fry quickly.
Small saucepan: Perfect for preparing the homemade teriyaki sauce without crowding your cooking area.
Whisk: Essential for blending sauces smoothly without lumps.
Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently while keeping your workspace safe.

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, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a low boil.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until dissolved.
Slowly stir the corn starch slurry into the saucepan. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Stir Fry

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

Step 3: Serve

Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Alternatively, use it as a filling for fresh lettuce wraps for a lighter option!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something more creative, here are some serving suggestions that enhance the flavors of this delicious dish.

Over Rice

White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice offers a light base that pairs well with the stir fry.

In Noodles

Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles add an earthy taste and pair perfectly with the savory stir fry.
Egg Noodles: Soft and chewy, egg noodles hold the teriyaki sauce nicely for a filling meal.

As Lettuce Wraps

Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp iceberg lettuce leaves make great wraps for a fresh and crunchy option.
Butter Lettuce: Tender butter lettuce provides a slightly sweet flavor that complements the stir fry.

On Top of Salad

Mixed Greens: Add your stir fry on top of mixed greens for a healthy and refreshing salad option.
Coleslaw Mix: A crunchy coleslaw mix adds texture and pairs well with the sweet teriyaki sauce.

How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

To achieve the best results with your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance your cooking process and flavor.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors of your teriyaki sauce significantly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches helps to brown the turkey evenly without steaming it.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, simply add water to reach your desired consistency.
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Season as You Go: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the stir fry to sit for a few minutes enhances its flavors before serving.

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 excellent options to consider that complement this flavorful dish.

Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a vibrant color to your plate.
Fried Rice: A quick fried rice with eggs and peas can round out your meal nicely while using up leftovers.
Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup adds warmth and depth to your dining experience.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings a crisp contrast to the savory stir fry.
Sesame Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with sesame seeds offer a delightful crunch as a side.
Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame provides protein and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Overcooking the Turkey: It’s important to cook the ground turkey until it’s fully done but avoid overcooking it. This can make the meat dry. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Ignoring the Sauce Thickness: If your teriyaki sauce is too runny, it won’t coat the stir fry properly. Make sure to add the corn starch slurry gradually and let it simmer until thickened.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or frozen ingredients may dull the flavors of your stir fry. Always opt for fresh veggies when possible for a vibrant taste.
Not Tasting as You Go: Seasoning is crucial in this dish. Don’t forget to taste your stir fry before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking on High Heat Only: While high heat helps with quick cooking, be cautious not to burn your ingredients. Start with medium-high heat and adjust as necessary.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place stir fry in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats in Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef based on your preference.

How do I make my teriyaki sauce sweeter?

To enhance sweetness in your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, consider adding more brown sugar or honey.

What vegetables can I add to my stir fry?

Feel free to include snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn along with broccoli and carrots for variety.

Is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is low in calories while being packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins and serve it over rice or noodles. Try this recipe today for a delightful meal that everyone will love!