Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry – Quick, Savory and Family-Friendly

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Author: Adam
Published:

🎉 Introduction

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dinner that brings together lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki-style sauce. It’s lighter than takeout, easy to make in one pan, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but balanced.

Fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of orange zest add brightness, while broccoli and carrots bring color and crunch. Everything comes together quickly, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight meals
  • One-pan cooking
  • Family-friendly dinners
  • Healthier takeout-style cravings

🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced or julienned
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the teriyaki-style sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Other:

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

These ingredients are chosen to create a balanced stir fry with bold flavor and a glossy sauce.


👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2:
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3:
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 4:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 6:
Add the broccoli florets and carrots. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 7:
Pour the prepared teriyaki-style sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 8:
Add the orange zest and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 9:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Serve hot on its own or over rice or noodles if desired.


🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: About 30 minutes

Perfect for quick dinners and easy meal prep.


🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Reheating:

  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
  • Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much

🥄 Variations

  • Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a pinch of ground chili
  • Extra veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas
  • Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar slightly
  • Citrus boost: Add a little orange juice with the zest
  • Protein swap: Use ground chicken instead of turkey

Each variation keeps the dish quick, savory, and customizable.


10 FAQs

  1. Is ground turkey good for stir fry?
    Yes, it’s lean, cooks fast, and absorbs flavor well.
  2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, add them directly to the pan.
  3. Is this recipe sweet?
    It’s balanced between sweet and savory.
  4. Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes, it reheats very well.
  5. Does the sauce thicken naturally?
    Yes, the cornstarch activates as it cooks.
  6. Is this kid-friendly?
    Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
  7. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely, use a larger skillet.
  8. Do I need sesame oil?
    It adds flavor but can be replaced with olive oil.
  9. What should I serve it with?
    Rice, noodles, or quinoa work well.
  10. Why add orange zest?
    It brightens the sauce and adds depth.

🏁 Conclusion

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort. With lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.

Simple, satisfying, and better than takeout—this stir fry checks all the boxes.

Adam

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry – Quick, Savory and Family-Friendly

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dinner that brings together lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki-style sauce. It’s lighter than takeout, easy to make in one pan, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but balanced. Fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of orange zest add brightness, while broccoli and carrots bring color and crunch. Everything comes together quickly, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Perfect for: Quick weeknight meals One-pan cooking Family-friendly dinners Healthier takeout-style cravings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup carrots sliced or julienned
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the teriyaki-style sauce:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Other:
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • These ingredients are chosen to create a balanced stir fry with bold flavor and a glossy sauce.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2:
  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3:
  1. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5:
  1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 6:
  1. Add the broccoli florets and carrots. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 7:
  1. Pour the prepared teriyaki-style sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 8:
  1. Add the orange zest and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 9:
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
  2. Serve hot on its own or over rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much
🥄 Variations
Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a pinch of ground chili
Extra veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas
Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar slightly
Citrus boost: Add a little orange juice with the zest
Protein swap: Use ground chicken instead of turkey
Each variation keeps the dish quick, savory, and customizable.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is ground turkey good for stir fry?
Yes, it’s lean, cooks fast, and absorbs flavor well.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them directly to the pan.
Is this recipe sweet?
It’s balanced between sweet and savory.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, the cornstarch activates as it cooks.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, use a larger skillet.
Do I need sesame oil?
It adds flavor but can be replaced with olive oil.
What should I serve it with?
Rice, noodles, or quinoa work well.
Why add orange zest?
It brightens the sauce and adds depth.
🏁 Conclusion
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort. With lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.
Simple, satisfying, and better than takeout—this stir fry checks all the boxes.
COOK WITH ADEM

Hi there! I’m Adem, the chef and creator behind Cook with Adem. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’ve dedicated my life to exploring flavors, experimenting with new dishes, and sharing my love of food with others.

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