Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Published:

by Lizzy

This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The homemade teriyaki sauce, enriched with a hint of orange zest, elevates the ground turkey to new heights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even fresh lettuce wraps, making it suitable for various occasions.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Ground turkey offers a lean protein option that’s full of flavor.
  • Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a unique twist with its sweet and savory profile.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a gluten-free option.
  • Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying, allowing ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
  • Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the teriyaki sauce without taking up too much space on the stovetop.
  • Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients are well combined and prevents lumps from forming.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent flavor in your dishes.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • ¼ 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

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until fully dissolved.
4. Slowly stir the corn starch slurry into the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry

In your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat sesame oil.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground turkey; cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots; cook until heated through and tender (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low; pour prepared teriyaki sauce over stir fry. Stir to coat evenly; let simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Serve

Serve your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for an exciting meal option!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, these serving suggestions will help you make the most out of this delicious stir fry.

Over Rice

  • White Rice: A classic choice, white rice absorbs the savory teriyaki sauce well.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice provides extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs perfectly with the stir fry while keeping it light.

In Noodles

  • Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, udon noodles complement the texture of the ground turkey.
  • Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that soaks up the sauce and adds a delightful chew.
  • Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat, soba noodles offer a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

As Lettuce Wraps

  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine leaves make fantastic wraps for a fresh and crunchy bite.
  • Butter Lettuce: Soft and pliable, butter lettuce is perfect for holding the stir fry without breaking.

How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

To ensure your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry turns out flavorful and satisfying, consider these helpful tips.

  • bold Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground turkey will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
  • bold Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar or honey in your teriyaki sauce for desired sweetness.
  • bold Cook on high heat: Using high heat ensures that vegetables stay crisp while cooking quickly.
  • bold Don’t overcrowd the pan: To achieve an even cook, avoid filling your skillet beyond capacity; cook in batches if necessary.
  • bold Let it simmer briefly: Allowing the stir fry to simmer with the teriyaki sauce lets flavors meld beautifully without overcooking ingredients.
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Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Pairing sides with your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry can elevate your meal. Here are some side dishes that complement this savory stir fry beautifully.

  1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious addition that mirrors one of the stir fry’s main vegetables; steam lightly for best flavor.
  2. Fried Rice: Using leftover rice sautéed with eggs and veggies makes for an easy yet tasty side.
  3. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and a pop of color to your plate.
  4. Miso Soup: A warm miso soup can serve as a comforting starter to balance the main dish.
  5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm stir fry.
  6. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp create an enjoyable textural contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

  • Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much teriyaki sauce can overwhelm the dish. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
  • Overcooking the Turkey: Cooking ground turkey for too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and remove from heat promptly.
  • Neglecting Vegetable Freshness: Using wilted or frozen veggies can affect the dish’s texture. Always choose fresh or properly frozen vegetables for the best results.
  • Skipping the Orange Zest: Omitting orange zest from the sauce will lessen its flavor complexity. Make sure to include it for that bright note.
  • Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Failing to prepare all ingredients before starting can lead to overcooking. Have everything ready to go before you heat the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • item Store in an airtight container.
  • item Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

  • item Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • item Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

  • item Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • item Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warm.
  • item Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef. Just be mindful of cooking times and drain excess grease if needed.

How do I make this dish spicier?

For added heat in your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, consider adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha according to your taste preference.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to mix in additional veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn alongside broccoli and carrots.

How do I adjust the thickness of the teriyaki sauce?

If your teriyaki sauce is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a little water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep. Store servings in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether served over rice or as lettuce wraps, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice levels. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how satisfying and healthy it is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry


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  • Author: Lizzy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick yet delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features lean ground turkey cooked with fresh vegetables and coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce infused with a hint of orange zest. It’s not only packed with flavor but also versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Your family will love the sweet and savory combination, making it a new favorite for dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil.
  2. Mix corn starch with remaining water and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened and remove from heat; stir in orange zest.
  3. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
  5. Stir in broccoli and carrots; cook until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
  6. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the stir fry; simmer briefly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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