Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful dinner can truly save the day on a busy weeknight and that is exactly why I love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. With its homemade teriyaki sauce tossed over lean turkey and crisp veggies you get a savory meal that hits every craving without much fuss. The touch of orange zest in the sauce always feels like a surprise and my family cheers every time it hits the table.

I made this for the first time after an especially long Monday and was so relieved by how easy and fast it was. Now it is a go to whenever my family asks for something tasty but I need it to be simple.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: brings lean protein to every serving and browns beautifully for stir fries Pick fresh turkey for best flavor
• Soy sauce: is the salty base of the sauce opt for low sodium if you want to control salt
• Brown sugar: balances the savory with gentle sweetness check for soft and fresh sugar for smooth dissolving
• Honey: layers in a floral note raw honey is best if you have it
• Fresh garlic: makes the flavor pop using freshly minced cloves gives the best result
• Fresh ginger: adds warming depth get a piece that feels heavy for its size and free from wrinkles
• Corn starch: thickens the sauce and keeps everything glossy check for a fine texture
• Orange zest: lifts everything with bright citrus use a firm orange for easy zesting
• Broccoli: brings color crunch and nutrition fresh or frozen both work but bright green crowns taste sweetest
• Shredded carrots: add sweetness and color pre shredded is convenient but freshly grated gives more texture
• Sesame oil: boosts aroma and gives an authentic nutty finish look for toasted sesame oil for richer taste
• Onion: gives savory foundation yellow onions are perfect pick firm and fragrant bulbs
• Salt and black pepper: round everything out season to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine most of the water soy sauce garlic ginger honey and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat Stir together until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce just starts to bubble Do not allow it to boil rapidly

Thicken the Sauce:

In a separate bowl whisk the remaining water with corn starch until it is completely smooth and no lumps remain Slowly stream this slurry into the pan stirring constantly as the sauce thickens and goes glossy Remove the pan from the heat as soon as it thickens and then stir in the orange zest Set aside to cool

Brown the Aromatics and Turkey:

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium high then add the sesame oil Once hot add the diced onion and cook gently for three minutes The goal is to soften but not brown the onions Add ground turkey breaking it up with your spoon Cook until fully browned and crumbly If you see much liquid or fat drain it before moving on

Cook the Vegetables:

Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet Stir well with the turkey mixture Let everything cook through for five to seven minutes The broccoli should be a strong green and the carrots just tender but not mushy

Simmer with Sauce and Serve:

Reduce the heat to low and pour your teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and vegetables Toss to ensure everything is evenly coated Simmer gently for three to four minutes letting the flavors meld Serve piping hot over rice or another base of your choice

My favorite part has to be the homemade teriyaki sauce The fresh orange zest makes it taste almost like a little sunshine in every bite and my husband always sneaks an extra spoonful of sauce straight from the pan One bite always brings me back to our first quiet family dinner with this dish at the center

Storage Tips

This stir fry stores beautifully in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce If freezing let everything cool completely first then keep in a freezer bag up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

You can change up the protein easily Try ground chicken pork or even beef Just remember to drain extra fat if using beef or pork Switch up the veggies based on what is in your fridge Snow peas bell peppers or snap peas make excellent swaps or additions

Serving Suggestions

Spoon over steamed jasmine or brown rice for classic comfort For something lighter try over cauliflower rice or pile into lettuce cups with extra green onions A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top looks pretty and adds crunch

A Quick Look at Teriyaki’s Roots

Teriyaki originated in Japan but has been adapted in so many ways around the world The technique involves meat or fish coated with a sweetened soy based glaze cooked over high heat This homemade version lets you control every note of flavor and brings a balance of sweet and savory that always wins over a crowd

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can other meats be used?

Yes, ground chicken, pork, or beef work equally well and provide different flavors and textures.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

If a thicker sauce is desired, add a little extra cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until thickened.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Along with broccoli and carrots, try tossing in bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for more color and crunch.

→ How should this dish be served?

It’s great over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

→ Can the heat be adjusted?

Spice it up with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a squirt of sriracha to taste.