Quick and Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, healthy, and packed with flavor? This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry checks every box! It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to bookmark—and make again and again.
Here’s why this dish is a weeknight game-changer:
- Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet does the trick. Less mess, more chill time.
- Health-friendly: Lean ground turkey and loads of veggies mean nutrient-packed goodness without the guilt.
- Kid-approved: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce wins over picky eaters.
- Flexible ingredients: Use what’s on hand or whatever’s fresh in your fridge.
- Meal-prep friendly: Tastes just as good the next day.
This dish brings Asian-inspired flavor with minimal effort—and that’s always a win in my kitchen!
Essential Tools and Equipment
Don’t worry—no fancy gadgets here! You’ll only need:
- Large non-stick skillet or wok: Big enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping veggies and aromatics.
- Mixing bowl (medium): To whisk together the teriyaki sauce.
- Whisk or fork: Helps incorporate the sauce evenly.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate flavor balance.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and breaking up the turkey as it cooks.
Tip: A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet gives the best texture and caramelization—but any large pan will work!
Preparation Tips
Want to cook smarter, not harder? These prep tips are here to help:
- Chop ahead of time: Dice onions, bell peppers, broccoli, and garlic earlier in the day to save time at dinner hour.
- Use pre-cut veggies: Grab a stir-fry mix from the store for convenience without compromising taste.
- Have your sauce ready: Mix the teriyaki sauce while the ground turkey cooks. It makes everything flow better.
- Double the sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the batch and drizzle more over rice or noodles.
- Cook rice in advance: This keeps everything moving fast. Refrigerated rice also stir-fries beautifully.
A little prep goes a long way—especially when you’re racing the clock on a busy evening.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this savory stir-fry. Simple pantry and fridge staples come together to deliver bold flavor.
For the stir fry:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
For the teriyaki sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Ingredient tip: Don’t have rice vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy directions to get dinner on the table fast!
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Heat your skillet: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned for extra flavor.
- Add garlic & veggies: Stir in minced garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Pour the sauce: Give your teriyaki sauce a quick stir (cornstarch tends to settle), then pour over the meat and veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer to thicken: Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and glazes everything beautifully. You’ll see it get glossy and slightly sticky.
- Finish & Serve: Turn off the heat. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Dinner’s ready—and honestly, it smells amazing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few common missteps—and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the sauce prep: Don’t wait until mid-cook to mix your sauce. It’ll throw off your timing and might result in uneven flavors.
- Overcooking the veggies: You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on cooking time once you add them to the pan.
- Adding sauce too early: Wait until the meat is cooked and veggies softened. This keeps the texture just right and helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
- Using full-sodium soy sauce: It can make the dish too salty. Go low-sodium and adjust later if needed.
A little attention to detail helps turn a good stir-fry into a great one!
Best Side Dishes
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few to try:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic base that soaks up the flavorful sauce like a dream.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist that still gives you that comforting “rice bowl” feel.
- Garlic Noodles: A fun fusion option that gives a bit of garlicky goodness with every bite.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Cool, crunchy, and refreshing—the perfect balance to the teriyaki’s warmth.
Feeling adventurous? Try dumplings or miso soup to turn dinner into a Japanese bento-style experience!
Expert Recipe Tips
Want to take your stir-fry game to the next level? Here are my top pro-approved tips:
- Sear the ground turkey: Let it sit for a few minutes undisturbed before stirring—this helps create those tasty brown bits.
- Add a chili kick: Toss in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use tamari for gluten-free: Same rich flavor as soy sauce, but totally gluten-free.
- Boost umami: Add a splatter of oyster sauce or a tiny dash of fish sauce for a deeper, more “restaurant” flavor.
The smallest tweak can sometimes make the biggest difference in flavor!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? This recipe is a meal prep MVP.
- Storage: Let the stir-fry cool down completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Pop it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through OR warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.
Still delicious even a few days later—and even better, it reheats like a dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean substitute, and beef adds a heartier flavor. Just make sure to drain excess fat if using beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your other ingredient labels to be safe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Try using crumbled tofu or even finely chopped mushrooms as a plant-based substitute.
What vegetables go best in this stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini all work great. Use what’s in season or in your crisper drawer.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure your pan is large enough to avoid overcrowding—it helps everything cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a stir fry that comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes this good. The Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry has become a go-to in my home—especially when I want something satisfying, healthy, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give it a try this week and see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Got a twist on the sauce or a veggie combo you swear by? Drop a comment below and let’s share tips!
And if you enjoyed this, check out my other easy stir-fry recipes like our 20-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry or Vegetable Lo Mein made with pantry staples.
Thanks for cooking with me—happy stir-frying!
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