Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
There's something deeply satisfying about a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on taste or nutrition, and this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry delivers exactly that. The sweet-savory teriyaki glaze clings perfectly to tender ground turkey and crisp vegetables, creating a dish that's as vibrant on the plate as it is on the palate. Home cooks love it for its speed, versatility, and the way it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting, balanced dinner that everyone will reach for seconds of-no pans left in the sink!
What Makes This Recipe Special
- The teriyaki glaze is boosted with orange zest for a subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the richness without overpowering the dish.
- Using ground turkey instead of beef or chicken reduces fat while keeping the dish hearty and family-friendly.
- The sauce is thickened with cornstarch dissolved in water for a glossy, restaurant-style finish that coats every piece perfectly.
- Fresh ginger and garlic are cooked directly into the stir fry for maximum aroma and depth, not just tossed in at the end.
Ingredients
1/4 cupsoy sauce
3 tablespoonsbrown sugar
1 cupwater, divided
2 tablespoonshoney
3 garliccloves, minced
1 teaspoonfresh ginger, grated or minced
2 tablespoonscornstarch
1 tablespoonorange zest
1 poundground turkey
2 teaspoonssesame oil
3 cupsbroccoli florets, fresh or frozen
1 smallonion, diced
1 cupshredded carrots
Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition
277 caloriesCalories
Per serving · Values are estimates
Instructions
1
Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. Bring to a low boil. Whisk 1/4 cup water and cornstarch together until dissolved. Gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture and allow the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and set aside.
2
Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for several minutes until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 7-10 minutes. Add broccoli and shredded carrots, cooking until tender. Reduce heat to low and mix in the Teriyaki sauce. Simmer for several minutes before serving.
3
Serve the stir fry over rice, noodles, or as desired.
Essential Tips
Prep veggies first
Chop your onion, broccoli, and carrots before you start cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly and nothing burns while you scramble the turkey.
Use frozen broccoli
Frozen broccoli works just as well and saves time-no need to thaw, just toss it in with the turkey to warm through.
High heat, quick sear
Cook the turkey over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then remove from the pan and set aside. This keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out during the stir-fry.
Taste the sauce early
Before adding the meat, taste the simmering teriyaki sauce. If it's too sweet, balance it with a splash of soy sauce; if too salty, add a pinch of brown sugar.
Double the sauce
Make extra teriyaki glaze-it's delicious drizzled over rice or noodles as a flavorful finish, or even used as a dipping sauce for leftovers.
Smart Swaps & Variations
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
Extra Veggies
Swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
Tofu Swap
Replace ground turkey with firm tofu crumbled for a vegetarian version that soaks up the teriyaki beautifully.
Coconut Rice
Cook the rice in coconut milk instead of water for a creamy, fragrant base that pairs perfectly with the stir fry.
What to Serve With This
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the teriyaki sauce.
- Quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple side salad to cut through the richness.
- A cold glass of iced green tea or ginger beer to balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions sprinkled on top for a fresh, colorful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the turkey and veggies moist. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Expert Chef Tips
- Toast the cornstarch in the saucepan for 30 seconds before adding water to remove the raw taste and ensure a smoother, more professional texture.
- Use a wok if possible-its high sides and sloped shape make tossing and stirring effortless, but a heavy skillet works just as well.
- Let the teriyaki sauce reduce slightly before adding the turkey to intensify the flavor and create a thicker glaze that clings better to the meat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 10-inch skillet or wok with high sides
- Small saucepan for the teriyaki glaze
- Sharp chef's knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
Nutritional Benefits
- Ground turkey is a lean protein source, providing 22 grams of protein per serving with less saturated fat than ground beef.
- The dish is rich in vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the broccoli, supporting immune health and skin integrity.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt can make this dish heart-healthy, with about 500mg of sodium per serving.
- The orange zest adds a burst of antioxidants and a hint of vitamin C without adding significant calories or sugar.
Reviews
No written reviews yet — be the first to cook this and share how it turned out!
Leave a Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well, though it may be leaner, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. Adjust cooking time as needed since chicken cooks faster than turkey.
What's the best way to thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! Cook the turkey and veggies separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the teriyaki sauce separately and combine everything when ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
Is there a low-sodium version of this recipe?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the added salt to taste. The honey and brown sugar will still provide plenty of flavor, so you can likely skip the salt entirely without issue.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the veggies may become slightly mushy after thawing. Freeze the cooked turkey and sauce separately for up to 3 months, then reheat and add fresh veggies when serving.
What's the best rice to use?
Jasmine rice is the classic choice for teriyaki dishes due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture. Brown rice works too but may require a bit more water and time to cook.
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
Cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which steams the meat instead of browning it. Keep the heat medium-high and avoid stirring too frequently-let it sear slightly for juicier results.
Can I use bottled minced garlic or ginger instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh ginger and garlic add a brighter, more complex flavor. If using bottled, add them to the sauce earlier in the cooking process to deepen their flavor.
More Dinner Victories
🔒 From the Vault — 43,000+ premium recipes
Cook This Next