Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is my go to when I want a dinner that is quick delicious and healthy but still tastes like takeout This dish brings together a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce with ground turkey and plenty of veggies making it perfect for those busy weeknights It is ready in about half an hour and always gets rave reviews from my family

The first time I tried this was on a night when we needed dinner in a hurry I threw in whatever veggies I had in the fridge and to my surprise it turned out to be everyone’s new favorite stir fry My husband now asks for this every week

Ingredients

• Soy sauce: adds umami rich salty flavor Use a low sodium version for a lighter sauce
• Brown sugar: provides the signature teriyaki sweetness Choose light brown sugar for gentle caramel notes
• Water: brings the sauce together and helps control consistency Use filtered for best results
• Honey: an extra layer of sweetness and helps the sauce glaze the turkey well Pure local honey is my preference
• Garlic cloves: minced release aromatic flavor and depth Fresh garlic makes a clear difference
• Fresh ginger: grated or minced brings warmth and zing Choose plump juicy ginger pieces for the most flavor
• Corn starch: thickens the sauce to the perfect glossy texture Look for pure corn starch without additives
• Orange zest: gives a bright citrus kick added at the end Choose an orange with firm unblemished skin
• Ground turkey: lean and mild soaks up all the teriyaki flavors Look for fresh pink turkey not gray
• Sesame oil: toasts the aromatics and gives a nutty authentic aroma Toasted sesame oil is ideal here
• Broccoli florets: create color crunch and healthy fiber Use fresh or frozen for flexibility
• Small onion: brings sweetness and savory base Choose firm tight onions for best taste
• Shredded carrots: add crunch sweetness and extra nutrition Pre shredded carrots save time
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning Add as desired to strike the right balance

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine three quarters cup water soy sauce minced garlic grated ginger honey and brown sugar in a small sauce pan Set over medium heat and stir to blend the sugar Be patient and allow the sugar to fully dissolve into the liquid

Thicken the Sauce:

While the base is heating whisk a quarter cup water with corn starch in a small bowl until there are no lumps Gradually pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly Keep stirring as the mixture thickens and starts to look glossy Remove the pan from the heat right away and gently stir in the orange zest for a fresh lift Set aside until your stir fry is ready

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat Add the diced onion and cook stirring occasionally for about three to four minutes until softened and fragrant Watch for golden edges but do not let the onion brown too much

Cook the Turkey:

Add ground turkey to the pan with the onions Use a spatula to break up large pieces Continue cooking until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through about seven to ten minutes The turkey should no longer be pink and should reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Drain any excess liquid if needed

Add the Vegetables:

Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots If you are using frozen broccoli add it straight from the freezer Cover the pan loosely and let the veggies steam for about five minutes until they are bright green and tender but still a little crisp

Finish with the Sauce:

Turn the heat to low and pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables Stir gently so everything is coated in the glossy sauce Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors mingle Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed

Serve Hot:

Scoop the stir fry over steamed rice or another base Serve immediately while hot and garnish with extra orange zest or sesame seeds if you like

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My favorite part of this dish is the fresh orange zest in the sauce It instantly brightens the whole skillet and makes every bite feel a little special Once my youngest daughter tasted it she said it reminded her of her favorite takeout but better We now look forward to this on our busiest nights because it never disappoints

Storage Tips

This stir fry keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much It also freezes perfectly Just let it cool then store in ziptop bags or small containers for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken beef or pork can be swapped for turkey without changing the cook time If you want a vegetarian version try crumbled pressed tofu or tempeh Low sodium tamari works instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option Switch up veggies with snow peas bell peppers baby corn or snap peas depending on what is in your fridge

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Serving Suggestions

Rice is classic but you can branch out with brown rice cauliflower rice or noodles For a lighter meal serve the stir fry tucked into crunchy lettuce cups or pile it over quinoa A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or green onion on top really finishes the dish

A Brief Note on Stir Fry Culture

Stir frying is a traditional cooking technique from China where ingredients are tossed quickly at high heat in a small amount of oil It is perfect for modern schedules because it celebrates fast cooking and lots of vegetables Many homes around the world now enjoy stir fry adapted with local flavors and what is available in the kitchen just like this turkey teriyaki

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or beef all work well. Just ensure you cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat if needed, especially with beef.

→ What vegetables go best in this stir fry?

Broccoli and carrots are classics, but you can also add bell peppers, baby corn, snap peas, or mushrooms for added color and flavor.

→ Is the homemade teriyaki sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! The sauce comes together quickly with soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of orange zest, thickened with a simple cornstarch slurry.

→ How can I make the stir fry spicier?

If you want extra heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha with the sauce. Adjust to taste!

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

Rice is always a favorite, but cauliflower rice or noodles work well too. Try serving it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

→ How do I adjust the sauce consistency?

If your sauce turns out too thick, just stir in a little water until you reach your desired texture.