If you’re always searching for weeknight dinners that pack a punch without taking all night, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry will become your new best friend. Juicy turkey mingles with a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce, fresh vegetables, and a subtle hint of citrus that makes you wonder why you ever settled for takeout. It’s one of those fuss-free dishes that manages to balance tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite – making even picky eaters hope for leftovers. Everything comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families or meal-prep warriors. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or tucked into lettuce wraps, you’ll find yourself revisiting this healthy, colorful stir fry again and again.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this stir fry lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a special element to the table. From the juicy ground turkey to the homemade teriyaki sauce and crunchy veggies, every ingredient serves a delicious purpose. Here’s what you’ll need – and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Soy sauce: Delivers the iconic umami base for your teriyaki sauce (low-sodium works perfectly here).
Brown sugar: Gives rich, caramel undertones to balance the savory soy sauce.
Water: Used twice for both diluting the sauce and creating a silky slurry with cornstarch.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punchy, aromatic kick.
Fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon transforms the sauce with bright, zesty warmth. Don’t skip it!
Corn starch: The key thickener for a glossy, restaurant-style sauce that clings to every veggie and bite of turkey.
Orange zest: Unexpected? Maybe, but it lifts the whole dish with citrusy freshness – so worth it.
Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and soaks up every bit of teriyaki flavor.
Sesame oil: Adds deep, toasty notes and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Broccoli florets: Whether fresh or frozen, they bring crunch, color, and nutrients.
Onion: When sautéed, adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavor base.
Shredded carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and crisp – they brighten up the stir fry beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Lets you control the final flavor just the way you like it.

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by pouring 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar into a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat, stirring well until everything is combined and your kitchen smells like a little takeout shop. Once it comes to a gentle boil, mix the remaining 1/4 cup water and cornstarch in a separate bowl – make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps. Slowly whisk this slurry into your simmering sauce and watch as it thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency. As soon as it thickens, take it off the heat and stir in that fragrant orange zest. Set it aside; this magical sauce is ready to bring your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry to life!

Step 2: Sauté the Basics

Heat your wok or favorite skillet to medium-high, then drizzle in the sesame oil. Drop in your diced onion and cook for a few minutes, letting it soften and develop that lovely savory aroma. The onion forms a flavorful base for your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey right into the softened onions, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and no longer pink, making sure it reaches a safe 165°F if you’re keeping track. Turkey’s mild flavor means it’s ready to happily soak up all the sauce and veggies you’ll add in a moment.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Toss in the broccoli florets and carrots, stirring everything together. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just toss it straight in – it cooks up perfectly! Let the veggies cook until they’re crisp-tender and vibrant, just a few minutes. This step keeps them snappy, colorful, and full of nutrients.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Turn the heat to low and pour in your homemade teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat absolutely everything in that delicious, glossy goodness. Give the stir fry a few minutes to let the sauce bubble and sink into the turkey and vegetables. Once every bite looks glazed and irresistible, you’re ready to serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Garnishes

A handful of garnishes can transform a humble stir fry into a show-stopper! Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch, add some chopped green onions for a fresh bite, or scatter finely sliced chili if you love a gentle kick. Even a sprinkle of extra orange zest adds a gorgeous visual zing and a hint of citrus on top.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed jasmine or brown rice is always a winning base, soaking up all the saucy goodness of your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even quinoa. On busy nights, a simple bowl of miso soup on the side rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to a simple bowl! Spoon your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry into crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held, low-carb twist, or pile it over noodles for a fun slurpable version. Want to impress at a potluck? Serve it family-style on a big platter, topped with colorful veggies and citrus slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to four days. All those flavors just keep melding together, making for even tastier lunches all week long.

Freezing

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is freezer-friendly! Portion cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. Just note that the veggies may lose a little of their original snap after thawing, but the taste is still fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Freshen up with a handful of chopped green onion or an extra pinch of orange zest when serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as beautifully with this teriyaki sauce. You can also try ground beef or plant-based crumbles for a different protein twist – just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I make the stir fry gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check the other ingredients for hidden gluten. The flavor will stay just as delicious and bold.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to toss in snap peas, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. This recipe is incredibly flexible and perfect for using up whatever veggies you have on hand.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your teriyaki sauce thickens up more than you’d like, just whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm water after reheating. This will loosen it up beautifully while keeping all that glorious flavor.

Is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry spicy?

No, the base recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it very family-friendly. If you want some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of Sriracha when stirring in the sauce or at the table.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve given this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry a try, you’ll see why it finds a permanent spot in so many kitchens. With its speedy prep, vibrant colors, and craveable balance of flavors, it’s a weeknight winner you’ll look forward to making again and again. Happy cooking – and even happier eating!

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe