Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Packed with sweet and savory flavors, this dish features a simple homemade teriyaki sauce with a hint of orange zest. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to meal prep for the week ahead. You’ll love how versatile this recipe is, as it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.

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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
• Lettuce Wraps
• With Cauliflower Rice
• As a Meal Prep Option
• With a Side Salad
• 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
• Can I use other meats in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
• How do I make this dish vegetarian?
• What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
• How spicy is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
• Can I meal prep this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, ideal for those busy evenings.
• Flavorful Homemade Sauce: The easy-to-make teriyaki sauce adds a rich flavor that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Option: Ground turkey provides a lean protein choice, making this meal nutritious.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out veggies or proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Meal: Everyone will enjoy the balanced flavors and colorful presentation.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Essential for even cooking and high heat, perfect for stir frying.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for making sauces without occupying too much space on the stovetop.

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

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How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, 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 the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add broccoli and shredded carrots to the skillet; 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

Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. It can also be served as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter option!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of rice or a light lettuce wrap, this dish can be adapted to fit your meal preferences.

Over Rice

• Serve the stir fry over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal that absorbs all the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.

In Noodles

• Toss the stir fry with cooked noodles, such as udon or soba, for a filling and satisfying option that adds great texture.

Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the stir fry mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and healthy alternative. This is perfect for a low-carb meal.

With Cauliflower Rice

• For a low-calorie option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice. This adds volume without extra carbs, making it a great choice for lighter dining.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Divide the turkey stir fry into meal prep containers with your choice of sides for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

With a Side Salad

• Pair your stir fry with a simple green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch to your meal.

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.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide more flavor and nutrients compared to frozen ones. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
• Cook on High Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat helps to give your turkey and veggies a nice sear, enhancing their flavors and textures.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a large batch, cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of frying. This ensures every ingredient gets that desired caramelization.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you find the teriyaki sauce too thick, whisk in a little water until you reach your desired consistency before serving.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the stir fry to simmer after adding the sauce helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Garnish Before Serving: Top off with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Serving your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and nutrients that balance out the sweet teriyaki flavors.
2. Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment, fried rice offers additional texture and flavor; consider adding peas and scrambled eggs for variety.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the warm stir fry.
4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meats provide an enjoyable crunch that pairs well with the stir fry’s softness.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings umami richness that complements the flavors of teriyaki beautifully.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa pilaf with herbs or nuts offers a healthy grain alternative that’s filling yet light enough to accompany your dish.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes harmonizes well with teriyaki flavors while adding hearty nutrition.
8. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a light yet satisfying side that enhances the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Skipping the Sauce Prep: Not preparing the teriyaki sauce beforehand can lead to uneven flavor. Always make the sauce first to allow it to meld together.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Filling your skillet too much can steam the turkey instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary for a better texture.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Cooking at too high a heat can burn the garlic and ginger. Keep the heat medium-high, adjusting as needed to prevent scorching.
• Using Frozen Vegetables Without Thawing: Adding frozen broccoli and carrots directly will cool down your stir fry, making it soggy. Thaw them beforehand for best results.
• Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to season properly can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Neglecting Leftovers: Leaving leftover stir fry unrefrigerated for too long can lead to spoilage. Store leftovers promptly for safety and quality.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stir fry in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer stir fry to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir fry for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef as desired. Just ensure they reach a safe internal temperature when cooked.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version of Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, replace ground turkey with tofu or tempeh. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

While broccoli and carrots are classic choices, feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for variety and color.

How spicy is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

The level of spice depends on whether you choose to add cayenne pepper or sriracha. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste!

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep. Store individual portions in containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick but also versatile and packed with flavor. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a delightful touch that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for endless variations!