Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
This quick and easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. The standout feature of this stir fry is the homemade teriyaki sauce infused with a hint of orange zest, making it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Homemade Sauce: The teriyaki sauce adds a unique twist with its sweet and tangy notes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with ground turkey and fresh vegetables, it’s nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or as a filling for lettuce wraps—perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: Adjust the veggies or spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for cooking stir fry at high heat while ensuring even cooking.
- Small saucepan: Necessary for making the teriyaki sauce without overcrowding your workspace.
- Whisk: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly, especially when preparing sauces.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and corn starch until smooth.
- Slowly stir the corn starch mixture into the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook until heated through and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the stir fry.
- Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve over rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or as filling in lettuce wraps.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or a quick meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
Over Rice
- White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs well with the stir fry.
In Noodles
- Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles have a unique taste and texture.
- Rice Noodles: Quick to prepare, they soak up the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- Ramen Noodles: For a comforting touch, serve the stir fry over ramen for a heartier meal.
As Lettuce Wraps
- Butter Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves make a refreshing low-carb wrap.
- Romaine Lettuce: Offers sturdiness, perfect for holding the filling without tearing.
How to Perfect Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
To ensure your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Customize the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
- Cook Turkey Thoroughly: Ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Boost nutrition by incorporating bell peppers or snap peas into your stir fry.
- Experiment with Spices: For some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the stir fry to simmer in the teriyaki sauce helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Pair your Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color and crunch complement the stir fry nicely.
- Fried Rice: A classic pair that adds more texture and flavor variety to your meal.
- Miso Soup: This warm soup enhances Asian flavors and is light yet satisfying.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a crunchy contrast.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame are great as a protein-packed snack beside your stir fry.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Spring Rolls: These can be filled with veggies or shrimp for a tasty side option that complements the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Turkey: Cooking ground turkey for too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and remove it from heat promptly.
- Ignoring the Sauce: A bland teriyaki sauce can ruin the dish. Make sure you taste and adjust your sauce before serving. Adding more honey or soy sauce can enhance flavor.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using dried or old ingredients can lessen flavor. Always use fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables for the best taste.
- Not Prepping Ahead: This stir fry cooks quickly, so not having ingredients prepared can lead to overcooking. Chop veggies and measure out sauces before you start cooking.
- Using a Small Pan: A cramped pan will steam rather than stir-fry your turkey and vegetables. Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it keeps well for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat for this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef for the turkey. Just ensure that they are cooked thoroughly.
How do I customize my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
Feel free to add different vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn to suit your taste preferences.
What should I serve with Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or sriracha when cooking for an extra kick.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! Ground turkey is leaner than other meats, making this a healthier choice while still being delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables and proteins based on what you have on hand. Whether served over rice or in lettuce wraps, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy a delicious, homemade Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry that brings sweet and savory flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious meal packed with fresh vegetables and lean ground turkey. The highlight is a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, enhanced with zesty orange notes. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in crisp lettuce wraps for a versatile family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Bring to a low boil.
- Mix remaining ¼ cup water with cornstarch; stir into the saucepan until thickened. Remove from heat and add orange zest.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey; cook until fully cooked (165°F), about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and carrots; cook until tender (5-7 minutes).
- Pour teriyaki sauce over the stir fry; mix well and let simmer before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
