Description
Savory, sweet, and full of flavor! This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry combines lean turkey with a zesty teriyaki sauce, veggies, and a perfect stir-fry technique that results in a healthy, satisfying dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean protein that works perfectly in this stir fry. You can use ground chicken if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to cook the turkey and vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and texture to the stir fry.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: For color and crunch. You can use any color bell pepper—red, yellow, or green.
- 2 medium carrots, julienned: Carrots add a natural sweetness and crunch.
- 1 zucchini, sliced: A mild vegetable that soaks up the sauce and adds moisture.
- 1 cup snap peas: These add a pop of green and a crunchy texture to the stir fry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Provides warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the teriyaki sauce.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce, giving it its salty, umami flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings tanginess to the sauce to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, making it glossy and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: For a hint of spice and warmth in the sauce.
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins:
- Sesame seeds: For a crunchy garnish that adds a nutty flavor.
- Chopped green onions: A fresh and crunchy garnish that adds a burst of color.
- Red chili flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.
- Cooked rice or noodles: Serve your stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Instructions
First Step: COOK THE GROUND TURKEY
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure the turkey cooks evenly.
- Season the Turkey: As the turkey is cooking, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra flavor. Once the turkey is fully cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Second Step: COOK THE VEGETABLES
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Third Step: MAKE THE TERIYAKI SAUCE
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to thicken for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will become glossy and coat the vegetables and turkey nicely.
Fourth Step: COMBINE THE TURKEY AND VEGETABLES
- Add the Turkey Back: Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir to combine the turkey with the vegetables and the teriyaki sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you want more saltiness, add a dash of soy sauce. If you like it spicier, sprinkle in some chili flakes.
Final Step: SERVE AND GARNISH
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry over a bed of steamed rice or cooked noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and extra chili flakes if desired.
- Enjoy: Your flavorful, healthy stir fry is ready to be enjoyed! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a crowd-pleasing dish for a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g