If you’re craving takeout but want something healthier (and way more budget-friendly), this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is about to become your new go-to. It’s loaded with colorful veggies, lean protein, and a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce that beats anything from a bottle.
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable based on what you have in your fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Budget Friendly: Ground turkey is affordable and lean. It’s often cheaper than chicken breast and just as versatile for weeknight meals.
Veggie Packed: A great way to use up whatever vegetables are in your fridge. Stir-fries are forgiving—throw in what you have and it’ll work!
Homemade Sauce: Much healthier and tastier than bottled teriyaki sauce. You control the sodium, sweetness, and ingredients with no weird preservatives.
Quick Cooking: Ground meat cooks faster than chunks or strips. You’ll have dinner on the table in the time it takes to order delivery.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey: Lean and cooks quickly. Look for 93/7 or 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and health.
Broccoli & Carrots: Classic stir-fry veggies that add crunch and color. They hold up beautifully to high heat cooking.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium creates the savory base. This keeps you in control of the salt level in your dish.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally. You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar if that’s what you have.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh aromatics make the dish pop. Don’t skip these—they’re the flavor foundation!
Bell Peppers: (Optional) Add sweetness and crunch. Any color works beautifully.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky, glossy consistency.
Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: For garnish. They add visual appeal and a finishing touch of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown Meat: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess liquid.
2. Add Veggies: Add chopped broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to the same pan. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. You want them to still have some bite.
3. Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, water, honey, fresh minced ginger, fresh minced garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
4. Thicken: Pour the sauce over the meat and veggies. Toss everything to coat evenly. The sauce will thicken almost instantly as it heats—keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
Prep First: Stir-frying happens fast. Chop all your veggies and mix the sauce before you turn on the stove. This is called “mise en place” and it’s a game-changer!
Cut Veggies Small: Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces that are roughly the same size.
Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold sauce ingredients to avoid lumps. Whisk it thoroughly before adding to the hot pan.
High Heat: Don’t be afraid of high heat for stir-frying. It gives you that slightly charred, restaurant-quality flavor.
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Variations
Spicy: Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki mixture. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference.
Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple during the last 2 minutes of cooking for sweetness and tropical vibes. The sweet-savory combo is incredible!
Beef or Chicken: Use ground beef or ground chicken if preferred. The cooking time and method stay exactly the same.
Extra Veggies: Try snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn. The more variety, the better!
Cauliflower Rice: Stir in riced cauliflower during the last minute for a complete one-pan meal that’s low-carb.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Great with udon noodles or ramen noodles for a heartier meal. Toss the noodles right in the pan with everything else.
Use lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Butter lettuce or romaine leaves work beautifully as edible “bowls.”
Add a side of cucumber salad or edamame for extra vegetables and protein.
FAQs
Is this gluten-free?
Use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free. The flavor will be almost identical!
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and the flavors blend well overnight. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes, add them directly to the pan; just cook a minute longer to evaporate the extra moisture. No need to thaw first!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s sticky, savory, sweet, and healthy—everything you want in a quick dinner that the whole family will actually eat.
The homemade teriyaki sauce makes all the difference. Once you taste how fresh and flavorful it is, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff!
Pin this recipe to your easy dinner or meal prep board! Share it with friends who are always looking for budget-friendly, healthy meals. Let’s make weeknight cooking easier and more delicious, one stir-fry at a time!
Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour teriyaki sauce into the skillet and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.