If you’re craving something delicious yet easy to whip up for dinner tonight, you’ll love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. Packed with flavors from the homemade teriyaki sauce and loaded with vibrant vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this dish has a delightful balance of savory and sweet, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir fry can be on your table in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Flavorsome Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is both sweet and savory, elevating the dish’s taste.
- Versatility: Easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now, let’s get into the good stuff—ingredients! This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry only requires a handful of simple components, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- Ground Turkey: The lean protein foundation of the dish, ensuring it’s both filling and healthy.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami punch essential for any teriyaki sauce.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: These add the perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics bring the stir fry to life with depth and warmth.
- Broccoli and Carrots: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and additional nutrients.
- Sesame Oil: Enriches the dish with a nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Asian.
Variations
This delightful recipe for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is incredibly versatile. Feel free to mold it to fit your dietary preferences or simply to use up what you have in the fridge!
- Change the Protein: Swap ground turkey for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Some Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Increase Veggie Variety: Throw in bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for extra color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to cater to gluten-free diets.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of water. Stir until everything dissolves and boils slowly. Mix 1/4 cup of water with cornstarch to make a slurry, pour it into the saucepan, and stir until thickened. Add orange zest and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Stir Fry
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions until they soften, then add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey browns and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Stir in broccoli and carrots, cooking until just tender. Finally, reduce the heat and pour in the teriyaki sauce, letting it simmer to perfection.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Thickening Perfection: To ensure your sauce thickens appropriately, make sure your slurry is well mixed before adding it to the sauce.
- Even Cooking: Cut your vegetables uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and at the same pace.
- Sauce Storage: Consider making extra sauce and storing it in the fridge for up to a week, useful for other quick meals.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the ground turkey to slightly caramelize as it cooks; this adds depth and enhances the flavors in the dish.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
Top your stir fry with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and sliced scallions for added freshness. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice. For a low-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice. Noodles or a mixed green salad also make excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry in a large family-style platter for a communal dining experience, or roll it up in lettuce leaves for a fresh twist. You could also serve it in individual bowls with chopsticks for an authentic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together over time, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed.
FAQs
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Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If sesame oil is unavailable, you can substitute with vegetable or olive oil, although sesame oil provides a distinct flavor.
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What other vegetables can I add?
You can certainly add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or sliced water chestnuts for additional flavor and texture.
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How can I make this dish spicy?
To add heat, try incorporating chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce or directly in the stir fry.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a scrumptious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry that combines ease, flavor, and nutrition in one delightful dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. So go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat,Low Sodium
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish. Made with tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a homemade glossy teriyaki sauce, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that can be served over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a customizable meal.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a low boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk ¼ cup water with corn starch until fully dissolved. Slowly pour the slurry into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and heated through.
- Combine and Simmer: Reduce heat to low, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture, and stir well. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until everything is coated and heated through. Serve immediately over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef for turkey. Drain excess grease if using beef.
- Add heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of sriracha for some extra spice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, baby corn, or mushrooms to customize your stir fry.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little water to reach desired consistency.
- This dish can be served over rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or as lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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