Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Busy weeknights often call for a meal that is fast but still delicious This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hits all the right notes with savory turkey a homemade sauce that comes together in minutes and crisp vegetables for a satisfying bite every time My family can never get enough of the sweet and tangy glaze and I love that it is ready start to finish in about half an hour

This stir fry first came to my rescue on a night when we had just a pound of turkey left and a few almost forgotten veggies in the fridge It turned into a weekly favorite that my little one now requests with her favorite noodles

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: about one pound look for lean turkey without added flavoring for the best texture
• Soy sauce: for the signature salty umami in teriyaki Choose low sodium if desired
• Brown sugar: adds a mellow sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize
• Honey: brings a natural sticky sweetness and subtle floral note
• Fresh garlic: gives spicy depth and rich aroma
• Fresh ginger: grated or minced for zing and warmth
• Corn starch: essential for giving the sauce its glossy thick finish Buy fresh or test older boxes to make sure it is lump free
• Orange zest: for a bright citrus note Use a firm orange and avoid the bitter white pith
• Broccoli florets: keep them bite sized for even cooking Both fresh and frozen work equally well
• Shredded carrots: add color crunch and gentle sweetness
• Small onion or leek: chopped finely for foundational flavor Look for firm onions and avoid any with soft spots
• Sesame oil: toasted if possible for a nutty base and aroma
• Salt and pepper: to taste for perfect seasoning

Why you must pay attention to the ingredient quality Using fresh ginger and garlic makes the flavor pop and selecting colorful crisp vegetables guarantees the best eating experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add sesame oil to your wok or skillet and warm over medium high heat Add the diced onion or leek and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes Stir occasionally until translucent and fragrant This becomes the backbone of the flavor

Brown the Ground Turkey:

Add the ground turkey to the skillet Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains and you see little golden bits forming about 7 to 10 minutes Stir often to ensure even cooking and season with salt and pepper while you cook

Cook the Vegetables:

Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots right into the skillet Toss well to coat with any savory juices then cook for about 5 minutes until they are just tender and vibrant green If using frozen broccoli allow an extra minute or two

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

In a small sauce pan combine three quarters of a cup water soy sauce brown sugar honey minced garlic and grated ginger Stir over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer In a separate bowl whisk the remaining one quarter cup water with the corn starch until no lumps remain Slowly pour this mixture into the saucepan and whisk non stop as the sauce thickens Remove from heat and mix in the orange zest for a bright lift

Bring It All Together:

Pour the hot teriyaki sauce into the cooked turkey and vegetables Turn the heat down to low and toss to coat everything evenly Simmer a few minutes so the flavors soak in Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed

Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon the saucy turkey stir fry over rice noodles or your favorite base It is also amazing scooped into lettuce wraps or even eaten straight from the bowl

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Broccoli has always been my non-negotiable ingredient for this recipe My son loves how the florets soak up all the sticky sauce and I have such fond memories of him fishing extra broccoli from the pan before anyone else could get it

Storage Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for lunch or dinner The sauce may thicken so add a splash of water when reheating to refresh

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap ground turkey with ground chicken pork or beef For a vegetarian take use crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms You can also mix in bell peppers snap peas or baby corn if you have them on hand Tamari stands in for soy sauce for a gluten free version

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Serving Suggestions

I love serving this teriyaki stir fry over freshly steamed jasmine rice It is also perfect on top of udon noodles or even chilled over a salad mix For a low carb twist spoon it into crisp lettuce leaves or serve with cauliflower rice

Cultural and Historical Context

Teriyaki is a Japanese technique where food is grilled or broiled with a sweet soy based glaze This quick stir fry uses those same flavors but gives them a modern shortcut for busy homes The touch of orange zest brightens the dish while keeping true to the sweet and savory theme

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I add heat to this stir fry?

You can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce while sautéing the turkey for added spice.

→ What vegetables work well as substitutes?

Feel free to swap or add snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn along with the broccoli and carrots for more variety.

→ Can I use another meat for this dish?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or pork make tasty options. If using beef, remember to drain excess fat after browning.

→ What’s the best way to serve this meal?

Enjoy over steamed rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce leaves for a lighter touch.

→ How do I thicken or thin the sauce?

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water until desired consistency is reached.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Make ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.