Name: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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 cornstarch; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 pound ground turkey; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen; 1 small onion, small diced; 1 cup shredded carrots; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, weeknight-friendly dinner that delivers both comfort and nutrition, the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry has your name written all over it. This dish artfully balances juicy ground turkey with crisp-tender veggies, all tossed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that’s deeply savory with just the right sweet kick. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or tucked inside lettuce wraps, the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is destined to become a healthy go-to that’s as satisfying as it is easy to throw together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry shines thanks to its approachable list of fridge and pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s bold flavor, craveable texture, or pops of color that make the finished dish irresistible.

Soy Sauce: The foundation for that classic teriyaki umami flavor; use low sodium to control saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Water: Used to loosen the sauce and help it coat every ingredient beautifully.
Honey: Layers in natural sweetness and gives the sauce its glossy finish.
Garlic: A must for aromatic depth—use fresh garlic for the punchiest flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Adds zingy brightness that keeps each bite lively.
Cornstarch: The secret to a velvety, thickened sauce that sticks to your stir fry.
Orange Zest: Brings a pop of citrusy fragrance that elevates the whole dish.
Ground Turkey: Lean and packed with protein; absorbs all those delicious teriyaki juices.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash imparts rich, toasted nutty flavor.
Broccoli Florets: Offer crisp texture and vibrant green color.
Onion: Caramelizes for natural sweetness and depth.
Shredded Carrots: Add gentle crunch and a pop of cheerful orange.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch lets you fine-tune the final seasoning.

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by combining your soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Give it a good stir, bringing the mixture just to a low boil so the flavors start to mingle. While that’s happening, whisk your cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup water until completely smooth, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Watch as the sauce thickens magically before your eyes! Right at the end, remove from heat and stir in the orange zest to awaken the whole mixture with zippy citrus aroma. Set your glossy, homemade sauce aside—it’s ready to transform your stir fry.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Onions

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion (or leeks, if you prefer a gentle flavor) and sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Now crumble in your ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, and let it sizzle until browned and cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. You’re building the flavor foundation for your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry here, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Vegetables

With the turkey fully cooked, it’s time to add a hearty dose of veggies. Scatter in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, stirring gently so they mingle nicely with the juicy turkey. Let everything cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and bright. If you want your broccoli extra soft, add a splash of water and cover for a minute or two—completely customizable to your taste.

Step 4: Pour in Teriyaki Sauce and Simmer

Turn the heat down to low and pour in your homemade teriyaki sauce, tossing everything together until the whole pan is shimmering in that glorious, sticky goodness. Let it all simmer for a few minutes so every bite is infused with those sweet, tangy, savory notes. Taste and tweak the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat. And just like that, your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is ready to serve!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Garnishes

A final flourish turns a delicious stir fry into a show-stopper. Sprinkle sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced chilies on top for color and crunch. Even a handful of chopped cilantro can add an herbaceous twist to your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, making each bowl that much more inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish plays well with all sorts of sides. Classic steamed white or brown rice soaks up that glossy sauce perfectly, but you can just as easily go with cauliflower rice for something lighter. Stir-fried noodles, or even a simple miso soup, also pair beautifully if you want to expand the meal into a full Japanese-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Spoon the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held option. Try piling it on top of soba or ramen noodles for a fun twist, or even stuff it into bell pepper halves and bake them for a hearty lunch. With such versatile flavors, this dish is as adaptable as your imagination allows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry makes outstanding leftovers. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to meld overnight, making your next-day lunch even more punchy and satisfying. It’ll keep well for up to 3–4 days, making it a meal-prep superstar.

Freezing

If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze the cooled stir fry in portioned containers. The sauce and turkey maintain their texture especially well, though the veggies may be slightly softer upon reheating. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, reheat the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until hot. You can add a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen things up if needed. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground turkey is a lean, versatile choice for this stir fry, ground chicken, pork, or even beef work beautifully. Just be sure to drain any excess fat, especially with beef or pork, to keep the sauce from getting greasy.

What other vegetables can I add?

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is perfect for all sorts of veggies. Try adding bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or even water chestnuts for crunch. It’s a great way to use up any odds and ends in your fridge!

Is the teriyaki sauce very sweet?

The homemade teriyaki sauce strikes a balanced sweetness, thanks to brown sugar and honey. If you prefer it less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount slightly, or add more soy sauce to taste. The orange zest brightens everything up so it never tastes cloying.

What’s the best way to make it spicy?

If you love a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of sriracha when finishing the dish. Customize the spiciness to your liking—it’s super flexible!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and store the teriyaki sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently and whisk before adding to your stir fry—the flavors actually improve as they meld, making busy nights even easier!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste how simple, vibrant, and satisfying this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry truly is. Whether you’re new to stir fries or a seasoned pro, this crowd-pleasing favorite is sure to brighten up your week—and it might just become your new comfort classic. Happy cooking!