Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and easy dinner option that’s both healthy and satisfying. The homemade teriyaki sauce, with a hint of orange zest, elevates this dish to something special. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also veggie-packed, making it a great option for anyone looking to add more nutrition to their meals. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white), chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ¾ cup water
- Rice for serving (optional: toasted sesame seeds and green onions for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a slight boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Add the broccoli and shredded carrots, cooking until tender (if using frozen broccoli, this will take just a few minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, then pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggies. Stir to coat and simmer for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, pork, or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra variety.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a paleo-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly in this stir fry. It saves time and is just as nutritious!
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can use olive oil or any other vegetable oil if sesame oil isn’t available.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week before using it.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to the stir fry.
What can I serve this with besides rice?
Try serving it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store it in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce are a hit with kids, and the ground turkey makes it easy to eat.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger will provide a stronger, more vibrant flavor, but ground ginger works just as well.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its homemade teriyaki sauce, veggies, and lean turkey, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your rotation. Whether you’re meal prepping or just looking for a fast dinner option, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner option. Featuring lean ground turkey and a homemade teriyaki sauce with a hint of orange zest, it’s packed with fresh veggies and served over rice. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white), chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ¾ cup water
- Rice for serving (optional: toasted sesame seeds and green onions for topping)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a slight boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Add the broccoli and shredded carrots, cooking until tender (if using frozen broccoli, this will take just a few minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, then pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggies. Stir to coat and simmer for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a variation, swap ground turkey for chicken, or beef.
- Add more veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use coconut aminos for a paleo-friendly version.
