Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

• Healthy: Packed with lean ground turkey and veggies, it's a nutritious and filling dish.

• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: You won’t need store-bought sauces here! The homemade sauce adds an extra burst of flavor, with a touch of orange zest making all the difference.

• Versatile: You can easily switch up the veggies or even substitute turkey with other ground meats like chicken.

• Freezer Friendly: Make extra servings and freeze for future meals!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (85% lean)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)

• 1 cup frozen broccoli (or fresh)

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ground ginger)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or garlic powder)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoon brown sugar (light)

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

• ¾ cup water

• ¼ cup additional water (for slurry)

• Rice, for serving

• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Set aside.

2. Cook the Stir Fry: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

3. Add Veggies: Add broccoli and carrots (if frozen, cook until heated through). Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4. Combine with Sauce: Lower the heat and pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve: Spoon the stir fry over cooked rice. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Variations: Add pea pods, bell peppers, or spinach to mix up the veggies.

• Different Proteins: Ground chicken, or even beef can replace ground turkey.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly, especially broccoli. They are convenient and cook quickly in the stir fry.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?

To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha sauce when making the teriyaki sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry and sauce in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

4. What kind of rice should I use?

You can use any rice, but jasmine rice or basmati works particularly well for this stir fry.

5. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

Yes, olive oil or avocado oil can be used instead of sesame oil, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the stir fry for extra color and flavor.

7. Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, you can freeze the stir fry with rice. Just store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

8. How do I make the teriyaki sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add more cornstarch to the slurry until the desired consistency is reached.

9. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef can replace turkey, but keep in mind that it may be a bit greasier.

10. How can I make this dish low-carb?

Serve it over cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely to make it a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a delightful and nutritious dish that's quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you're in need of a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is a go-to solution. With its homemade teriyaki sauce and healthy ingredients, it's a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!