Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re hunting for a fuss-free weeknight dinner that’s brimming with flavor and color, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Picture juicy ground turkey, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce all coming together in under 30 minutes. The end result is nourishing without feeling heavy, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. This is that craveable bowl you’ll want to put on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is just how simple, fresh, and essential each ingredient is. Every component—from the aromatic ginger to the vibrant red bell pepper—plays a role in creating big flavor and an irresistible stir fry texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and a wonderful base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds a mild, silky richness for browning the turkey and vegetables.
• Garlic: Infuses the stir fry with savory depth; fresh minced is a must!
• Fresh ginger: Brightens every bite and gives warmth—don’t skip it!
• Broccoli florets: Brings bulk, crunch, and that healthy green pop.
• Red bell pepper: Sweetness, color, and that signature stir fry snap.
• Snap peas: Offer a juicy, crisp texture and gentle sweetness.
• Green onions: Adds freshness and a little bite, perfect for topping at the end.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the teriyaki flavor—be sure it’s low-sodium for balance.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that glossy glaze.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every morsel.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle deepens that classic Asian-inspired aroma and flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat, use more or less to suit your spice level.
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect neutral bed to soak up all that glorious sauce.

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating the olive oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Give it 5–6 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This is your flavor foundation, so make sure to break up any big clumps and let those edges get just a bit golden for extra texture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add minced garlic and grated ginger directly into the turkey. Stir it around for about a minute—just until those fragrant oils are released. Trust me, this step unlocks that unmistakable teriyaki warmth, and your kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Up next: toss in the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Give everything a hearty stir, then let it cook for 4–5 minutes. You’re aiming for veggies that are tender with a little bite—they should keep their color and some crunch for the ultimate stir fry experience.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce

While the veggies cook, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the cornstarch-water slurry in a small bowl. This homemade teriyaki sauce is magic—sweet, salty, tangy, and thick enough to glaze everything beautifully once it hits the pan.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Pour that luscious teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir well so every veggie and bit of turkey is coated. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens up and turns glossy. Remove from the heat, then shower your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with green onions and sesame seeds right before serving.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Garnishes

I love topping my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with a snowstorm of sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you adore heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha provides a fiery finish without overpowering that signature teriyaki flavor.

Side Dishes

A fluffy bowl of warm rice is classic, soaking up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter option, try serving with steamed brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. Pair with a crisp simple salad, steamed edamame, or miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mealtime fun by serving the stir fry in lettuce wraps or over cooked soba noodles for a change of pace. If you’re entertaining, set out the stir fry family-style with bowls of garnishes and let everyone build their own customized bowl of Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Deliciously interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even more irresistible! Let the stir fry cool to room temperature before storing to ensure maximum freshness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without rice and add freshly cooked rice when you reheat and serve.

Reheating

Reheat your stir fry in the microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is extra light and lean, ground chicken works well, and beef will add an even richer, heartier flavor. Just keep an eye on any excess fat and drain it if needed.

What other vegetables can I add?

This stir fry is a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge meal. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, sliced carrots, baby corn, or even shredded cabbage. The more color and crunch, the better!

Is Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gluten-free?

It can be! Swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and make sure your other ingredients (like cornstarch) are labeled gluten-free. Always check product labels if gluten is a concern for your household.

Can I make it low-carb?

Definitely. Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether and scoop it into lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy low-carb meal.

How spicy is this dish?

That’s totally up to you! As written, the red pepper flakes add just a mild kick. To keep it kid-friendly, you can omit them or add a little after serving for those who want a spicier bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something quick, colorful, and totally irresistible, give this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry a spot on your dinner table. It’s not just easy and healthy—every bite is loaded with tangy-sweet flavor and plenty of crunch. Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and prepare for a meal that’ll make everyone ask for seconds!

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