
Teriyaki Ground Turkey with Broccoli and Peas is my solution for weeknights that crave flavor without the fuss. It is bright savory slightly sweet and packed with veggies It comes together in no time and hits that delicious balance of comforting and light which is why my family never gets tired of it
My first time making this was after a hectic day when I wanted takeout but needed something lighter Now it is my go to whenever I want to fill a bowl with goodness and still have energy left after dinner
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly I like to use extra virgin for more flavor
- Garlic cloves: Brings aromatic depth Choose firm unblemished cloves for best taste
- White onion: Gives savory foundation Look for ones that feel heavy for their size
- Lean ground turkey: Makes it filling but not greasy Opt for leaner packs for the best texture
- Shredded carrots: Build sweetness and color Shredding fresh carrots beats pre shredded any day
- Broccoli florets: Crunchy green bites Rich in nutrients Pick firm tightly clustered heads
- Frozen peas: Pops of sweetness and color Go for bagged peas that do not feel icy or dried out
- Teriyaki sauce: Sweet and tangy Keeps everything juicy Choose one with real ginger or make your own for extra punch
- Cooked rice: Optional but catches all the teriyaki goodness Jasmine or white rice are classic but brown rice adds more chew
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Make your rice first Set up your rice cooker or pot and simmer one and a half cups of rice with water while you prep everything else by the time the stir fry is complete so will the rice
- Prep the Vegetables:
- Peel and shred the carrots chop the onion and broccoli into bite sized pieces and mince the garlic for quick easy cooking later
- Saute the Aromatics:
- In a large frying pan pour in the olive oil and bring to medium heat Scatter in the minced garlic and chopped onion Stir and let them sizzle for about two minutes until the onion starts turning translucent this will make the whole pan fragrant
- Brown the Turkey:
- Add the ground turkey directly into the aromatics Break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula Keep moving it around so it browns evenly and there are no more pink spots
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Into the pan goes the chopped broccoli shredded carrots and peas Give everything a thorough mix Place a lid on to trap the heat This will steam the broccoli just enough to keep its bite which should take three to four minutes
- Add the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Pour the teriyaki sauce all around so it covers everything Stir thoroughly Leave it to bubble for another minute or two so the flavors meld and everything is glossy
- Serve over Rice:
- Fluff your rice and scoop into bowls Spoon the saucy turkey and veggies over top Serve while hot for the best experience

My favorite part is always the broccoli It soaks up the teriyaki until it is almost juicy My kids love those sweet green bites and have even started asking for extra broccoli just so they don’t miss out
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in airtight containers for up to four days in the fridge If making ahead store rice and stir fry separately and combine when reheating Add a splash of water if you want to loosen up the sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for a different flavor Tofu crumbles make a plant based swap Snap peas or thinly sliced bell peppers give new color and crunch if you are short on broccoli or carrots
Serving Suggestions
Spoon the turkey mixture over hot rice or try serving with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber For a low carb version serve the stir fry over riced cauliflower or a bed of greens Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onion
Cultural Note
Teriyaki as a flavor comes from Japanese cuisine where it traditionally refers to a technique of grilling or broiling with a glaze The version here is inspired by those sweet savory flavors made weeknight friendly in a stir fry
FAQs about Recipes
- → Can I use other vegetables in this dish?
Yes, feel free to swap or add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach for added variety and color.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Allow the dish to cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.
- → Is there a substitute for ground turkey?
Lean ground chicken or beef both work well in place of turkey. Simply follow the same cooking method.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free or use tamari in place of traditional soy-based sauces to keep it celiac-friendly.
- → Do I have to serve with rice?
Serving with rice is traditional, but you can also try this with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a twist.