If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up on a weeknight, you’ve got to try this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe. It brings together lean ground turkey with crisp vegetables and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness, tang, and a little zing from fresh ginger and orange zest. It’s nutritious, colorful, and comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal for busy days when you want something hearty yet light. This recipe is a personal favorite because it transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish feel like a treat. From the umami richness of soy sauce to the fresh punch of ginger and the sweet, sticky glaze from honey and brown sugar, these ingredients come together beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory base that defines any great teriyaki sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the soy’s saltiness.
- Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without watering down flavor.
- Honey: Gives natural sweetness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Introduce aromatic warmth and a burst of savoriness.
- Fresh ginger, grated or minced: Brings a subtle spicy zing with a fresh, bright note.
- Cornstarch: Essential to thickening the sauce for that glossy, clingy finish.
- Orange zest: Adds a fragrant citrus sparkle that elevates the dish beautifully.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein star that keeps things light yet satisfying.
- Sesame oil: Offers a rich, toasty flavor that infuses the vegetables and turkey.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crispness, vibrant green color, and nutrients.
- Small onion, diced: Builds a tender, slightly sweet base flavor when cooked.
- Shredded carrots: Add crunchy sweetness and vivid orange hues.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to round out and enhance natural flavors.
How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
First things first, the secret behind that irresistibly glossy, flavorful coating is making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch. Combine ¾ cup water with soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it slowly to a low boil, letting the aromas mingle and the sugar dissolve. Then whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water with cornstarch until smooth, and slowly stir this into the bubbling sauce. As it thickens, you’ll see it transform into that perfect shiny glaze. Remove from heat, stir in fresh orange zest for a bright citrus kick, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Turkey
Heat up the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat to get that beautiful toasty fragrance. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, releasing a subtle sweetness. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks thoroughly, until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown slightly around the edges. This step is where flavor really starts building as the turkey browns, creating a delicious foundation for your stir fry.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once your turkey is perfectly cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. These veggies not only provide wonderful texture contrasts but bring vibrant color and healthy nutrients to the mix. Cook them just until tender but still crisp – you want to keep that satisfying bite that balances the softness of the turkey and sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Lower the heat and pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything in that luscious glaze. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so all the flavors can marry and the sauce thickens up a bit more, clinging to every bite just beautifully.
How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate this dish to restaurant quality at home. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and a bit of visual appeal. Chopped green onions scattered on top add a fresh, mild oniony note that complements the warmth of the stir fry perfectly. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serving this teriyaki turkey stir fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice makes it a complete meal that’s satisfying and comforting. You can also pair it with noodles if you prefer a different texture or enjoy it alongside steamed edamame or a crisp Asian slaw to keep things light and refreshing. The possibilities are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, vibrant presentation. Another creative approach is to pile it high in a warm bowl and top with a fried egg for added richness and a bit of indulgence. It’s all about making this dish your own and enjoying every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers just as enjoyable. When storing, keep rice separate if you intend to avoid it becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked teriyaki turkey and vegetables by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating unless necessary, and stir occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the turkey or vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! You can chop turkey breast into small pieces or thin strips and cook it the same way. Just be mindful it may cook faster and could dry out slightly if overcooked, so keep an eye on it.
How spicy is this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can easily add chili flakes or Sriracha if you want an extra kick of heat to spice things up.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir or rewarm it gently before adding to your stir fry.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to swap broccoli and carrots for snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini – whatever you have on hand will work wonderfully and add your own twist to the stir fry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe enough for those days when you want a dish that is quick, flavorful, and nourishing all at once. It’s one of those meals that feels special despite how simple the ingredients are, bringing a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and fresh to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry that combines lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner packed with vibrant flavors and nutrition.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Stir Fry
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the boiling sauce while whisking continuously. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare the Stir Fry Base: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Sauce and Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki turkey stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your wholesome, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Using fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, but ground ginger can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Frozen broccoli works well if fresh is not available; just make sure to thaw sufficiently before cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce by modifying sugar or soy sauce amounts to taste.
- For a gluten-free dish, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
