This Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful meal that brings together tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce. This stir fry is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome, satisfying, and budget friendly without spending a long time in the kitchen. It uses simple ingredients that many home cooks already keep on hand, and its quick cooking time makes it a great go-to for families. The savory sauce perfectly coats the turkey and vegetables, giving every bite a comforting balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
There are so many reasons this recipe becomes a repeat in busy households. First, it is truly uncomplicated, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of lean protein and colorful veggies makes it a nutritious choice without feeling heavy or rich. The homemade teriyaki sauce gives the dish a deeper and fresher flavor than bottled versions, and you can easily adjust it to be sweeter, saltier, or more mellow depending on your preference. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep, and it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. This recipe is also kid friendly, flavor balanced, and easy to customize with any vegetables you like.
Ingredients for Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Cornstarch
- Orange zest, optional but adds brightness
Stir Fry Ingredients
- Lean ground turkey
- Sesame oil or other neutral cooking oil
- Onion, diced
- Broccoli florets
- Shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
Soy sauce: You can use low sodium if you prefer a milder salt level. For gluten free cooking, tamari or coconut aminos both work well and give a similar savory taste.
Brown sugar and honey: These two sweeteners work together to create the signature glossy and slightly sticky texture of classic teriyaki. If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce one of them slightly or increase the soy sauce by a teaspoon or two.
Ginger and garlic: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. If you only have powdered versions, use smaller amounts since their flavors are concentrated.
Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the sauce. Without it, the sauce will be much thinner and won’t cling as well to the turkey and vegetables.
Ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps the dish light yet filling. Ground chicken can be swapped in easily, or use finely diced tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables: Broccoli and carrots make this stir fry vibrant and well rounded, but feel free to substitute with bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, but any neutral oil such as canola or avocado oil can be used instead.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Once the sauce reaches a simmer, pour in the slurry while whisking. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes until it thickens into a shiny sauce. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest if you are using it. Set the sauce aside while preparing the stir fry.
Step 2 – Cook the Turkey
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the sesame oil and diced onion and cook until the onions begin to soften. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey browns evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Add the Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and allow the vegetables to cook until they reach your desired tenderness. If the broccoli needs help softening, cover the pan for a minute or two to steam it slightly.
Step 4 – Combine with the Sauce
Lower the heat and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the turkey and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer very gently for about two minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5 – Serve
Spoon the stir fry over a bowl of warm rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or a light drizzle of extra sauce if you like.
Pro Tips for Success
- Prep all ingredients before cooking. Stir fry recipes cook quickly, so having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress free.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. They bring brightness and depth to the sauce that powdered versions can’t match.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. Leave them slightly crisp to maintain texture and nutrients.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet. If you prefer a sweeter or saltier flavor, adjust the seasonings while the sauce is still in the saucepan.
- Control moisture levels. If the skillet becomes too watery after adding the vegetables, raise the heat briefly to evaporate excess liquid.
- Make extra sauce. It stores well in the fridge and can be used on chicken, tofu, or veggies later in the week.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki Stir Fry: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small squeeze of chili paste to the sauce.
- Citrus Twist: Increase the orange zest or add a splash of pineapple juice for extra brightness.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a more intense savory flavor.
- Vegetable Medley Stir Fry: Include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Sesame Teriyaki: Stir in a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds during the final minute of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry is incredibly flexible. Serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a classic combination. It also works beautifully with jasmine rice, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage that has been lightly sautéed. Add a side of edamame, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. If you want to boost the protein even more, top the dish with a soft boiled egg or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it great for meal prep. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in one minute increments, stirring between each interval. For freezer storage, allow the stir fry to cool completely before placing it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A fast, flavorful stir fry with tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce—perfect for busy weeknights, budget friendly, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Cornstarch
- Orange zest (optional)
- Lean ground turkey
- Sesame oil or neutral oil
- Onion, diced
- Broccoli florets
- Shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened; stir in orange zest if using.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok. Sauté onions until soft, then add ground turkey and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add broccoli and shredded carrots. Cook until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
- Pour teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or scallions.
Notes
Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. If vegetables release excess moisture, raise heat briefly. Adjust sweetness or saltiness in the sauce before adding to skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
(Values are estimates based on typical ingredients.)
FAQ About Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken works very well in this recipe since it also has a mild flavor and similar texture. If you want to make the dish vegetarian, you can use crumbled tofu or finely diced tempeh. Ground beef can also be used, but it will make the dish richer in flavor and slightly higher in fat. No matter the protein, be sure to cook it fully before adding the vegetables.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is not as thick as you like, add an extra half teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water. Stir it into the sauce while it simmers. It will thicken within one to two minutes. Be careful not to add dry cornstarch directly to the skillet since it will clump instead of blending smoothly.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and make this recipe even faster. Add them straight to the skillet without thawing. If they release extra moisture, allow the stir fry to cook uncovered for a couple of minutes until the liquid reduces. Frozen broccoli, mixed stir fry vegetables, or peas can all be good additions.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It can be made gluten free by switching the soy sauce to tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free. Be sure to check labels on bottled sauces if you add any extras like sesame oil blends or chili pastes.
Can I meal prep this dish?
This recipe is excellent for meal prep because the flavors hold up well. Divide the cooled stir fry into containers along with cooked rice or noodles. Store them in the refrigerator for four days or freeze them for longer storage. When reheating, add a small splash of water to keep the sauce glossy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a dependable recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel effortless. Its quick cooking time, flexible ingredients, and wholesome flavor make it a family favorite you can return to again and again. Whether you are feeding kids, meal prepping, or simply craving a comforting bowl of stir fried goodness, this dish delivers satisfying results with very little fuss.