Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe: A Perfect Weeknight Winner

Ground turkey elevates ordinary stir-fry into an exciting culinary adventure with its lean, protein-packed goodness.

Vibrant vegetables dance alongside tender, seasoned meat in this dynamic Asian-inspired dish.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet and savory teriyaki notes that awaken your taste buds.

The combination creates a balanced meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated without heavy complexity.

Colorful ingredients mingle in a sizzling pan, releasing tantalizing aromas that signal a delicious dinner is imminent.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft this restaurant-quality meal with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Your weeknight dinner just got a delicious upgrade that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Achieving the Right Texture in Your Stir Fry

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Marinate ground turkey in half the teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes before cooking to infuse more intense flavor.
  • Crisp Vegetable Technique: Cut broccoli and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain perfect texture.
  • Prevent Meat Dryness: Use a higher fat content ground turkey (85/15) to keep the stir fry moist and prevent stringy, tough meat.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Add cornstarch slurry gradually while whisking to achieve the ideal teriyaki sauce thickness without lumps.
  • Temperature Mastery: Use high heat when stir-frying to create delicious caramelization on the ground turkey and vegetables, sealing in maximum flavor.

Storing Leftover Stir Fry for Future Meals

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Cool the stir fry completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Stovetop Refresh: Revive leftover stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to prevent sticking and restore moisture.

Pair Your Ground Turkey Stir Fry with These Sides

  • Boost Flavor with Sake Pairing: Complement the teriyaki's sweetness with a crisp, dry sake that cuts through the richness of ground turkey and balances the sauce's intensity.
  • Rice Variety Enhancement: Swap standard white rice for fragrant jasmine or nutty brown rice to add depth and texture to the stir fry's overall eating experience.
  • Crunchy Side Companion: Serve with quick-pickled cucumber salad or sesame-dressed Asian slaw to introduce a refreshing, tangy contrast against the savory, sweet teriyaki flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or Thai basil on top to brighten the dish with fresh, aromatic notes that elevate the ground turkey's mild taste.

Get Creative with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

  • Island Fusion: Swap ground turkey for diced mahi-mahi or shrimp, adding pineapple chunks and red bell peppers for a Hawaiian-inspired tropical version.
  • Veggie Power Bowl: Replace ground turkey with extra-firm tofu, doubling vegetable quantity and adding edamame for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Asian Kickback: Incorporate sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the teriyaki blend, toss in jalapeños, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery rendition with intense heat.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Skip rice base, serve stir fry inside crisp butter lettuce leaves, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lighter, crunch-filled option.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry: Flavorful, Healthy, and Quick

  • Whip Up Quick Weeknight Comfort: This ground turkey teriyaki stir fry delivers a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious and nutritious dinner without complicated cooking steps.
  • Power-Packed Protein Punch: Loaded with 38g of protein from lean ground turkey, this recipe supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full and energized while providing a balanced nutritional profile.
  • Veggie-Loaded Flavor Explosion: Broccoli and carrots add vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and essential nutrients, transforming a simple stir fry into a wholesome meal that makes eating vegetables enjoyable and tasty.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable base recipe allows swapping proteins, vegetables, or serving over different grains, making it a versatile dish that suits various dietary preferences and taste buds.

What You Need for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Main Protein:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein that absorbs teriyaki sauce flavors, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides aromatic base and sweetness to the dish, white or yellow varieties work best.
  • Broccoli, Carrots: Colorful vegetables adding nutrition and crunch, fresh and crisp produce recommended.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: Essential umami flavor and saltiness, low-sodium version optional for health-conscious cooking.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired aromatics that enhance overall depth of flavor, fresh is preferable to dried.
  • Honey, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners balancing teriyaki sauce, helps create glossy and sticky texture.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for sauce, ensures smooth and consistent coating on ingredients.

How to Make the Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce

Gather your sauce ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water, then blend into the sauce to add thickness and shine.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Brown Ground Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet with onions. Break up the meat and cook until it turns golden brown and develops a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Toss in chopped broccoli and sliced carrots. Stir and cook until the vegetables become tender but still maintain a slight crunch, preserving their vibrant colors and nutritional value.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your stir fry over steamed rice or your favorite grain. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

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Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry delivers a quick Asian-inspired meal packed with savory flavors. Lean turkey mingles with crisp vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce, creating a satisfying dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to home kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup water, divided
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft the teriyaki sauce by blending low-sodium soy sauce, minced fresh garlic, grated ginger root, organic honey, and dark brown sugar in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cold water with cornstarch until smooth, then incorporate into the sauce mixture to create a glossy, thickened consistency.
  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced yellow onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spatula, and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes.
  5. Introduce chopped broccoli florets and julienned carrots into the skillet, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and maintaining vegetable crispness, for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture, gently coating all ingredients and allowing the sauce to simmer and caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice, garnishing with optional green onion slices or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Homemade teriyaki sauce provides authentic flavor, infinitely better than store-bought bottled versions.
  • Cornstarch slurry acts as a magical thickening agent, creating glossy restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
  • Ground turkey offers a lean protein alternative that absorbs teriyaki marinade beautifully without excess greasiness.
  • Fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots add vibrant color, essential nutrients, and satisfying crunch to the dish.
  • Cooking vegetables until just tender preserves their nutritional value and prevents mushy texture.
  • Serving over fluffy rice transforms this stir fry into a complete, balanced meal that feels like comfort food.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 1400mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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