Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with fresh veggies and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that brings out the best in ground turkey without overwhelming it. It’s the kind of meal that feels both cozy and vibrant, perfect when you want something satisfying but still light.

When I first tried this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up and how well it suited busy evenings. You’ll find that the balance of savory soy sauce, a touch of sweetness, and that gentle sriracha kick makes every bite addictive. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can swap out veggies, adjust spice levels, or pair it with your fave rice or noodles to keep things fresh week after week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced, savory stir fry sauce paired with fresh vegetables and lean ground turkey. When shopping, opt for fresh ginger and colorful veggies for the most vibrant flavor and texture.

• Low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps the saltiness in check so the sauce isn’t overpowering.
• Water: Helps mellow the sauce and keeps it saucy without being too salty.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang and spice.
• Rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to lift the flavors.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in boosting that authentic stir fry aroma.
• Fresh ginger: Grated fresh gives a lively zing, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
• Sriracha: Control your heat level here; it adds just the right kick.
• Neutral cooking oil: Canola, avocado, or olive oil—all cook veggies and turkey perfectly.
• Ground turkey: Lean and mild, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Easy seasoning that infuses the turkey with savory depth.
• Zucchini: Tender and slightly sweet; slices cook quickly to keep a nice crunch.
• Carrot: Grated so it softens fast and adds color and subtle sweetness.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, it brightens the dish.
• Green onions: Use the whites in the stir fry, leaving the tops for garnish.
• Cornstarch: Whisked into water to thicken and beautifully coat everything.
• Jasmine rice: The perfect fluffy base to serve this stir fry on.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on what my family is craving or what’s fresh at the market. This Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic base for creativity—you can swap veggies, adjust the heat, or boost the flavor with some unexpected ingredients.

• Veggie Swap: I’ve swapped zucchini for snap peas or broccoli and it still turns out amazing—crunchy and bright.
• Spice Level: Sometimes I double the sriracha or add chopped fresh chili if we want it fiery.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground chicken or pork works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that’s just as tasty.

How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing all your sauce ingredients in a medium bowl—soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and sriracha. Whisk these until the sugar completely dissolves and the flavors meld. Setting this aside up front saves you from scrambling later and ensures the sauce is ready when you need it.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat 2 teaspoons of your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground turkey, sprinkle on the garlic powder, and start breaking the meat up with your spatula. Cook it until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan—that way the turkey browns nicely instead of steaming.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Remove the turkey to a plate and add the remaining teaspoon of oil to the pan. Toss in zucchini, grated carrot, diced red pepper, and the white parts of the green onion. Stir frequently and cook for about 3-5 minutes until veggies are tender but still a bit crisp—you want some bite for texture contrast. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make your slurry.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Thicken the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, add the turkey back to the skillet with the veggies, and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well so each piece gets coated. Then slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously; this thickens the sauce, giving it a beautiful glossy coating that clings to the meat and veggies. It only takes a minute or two to thicken, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-thickening or clumping.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Ground Turkey Stir Fry hot over jasmine rice, sprinkling the reserved green onion tops on top for a fresh punch of color and flavor. If you love extra heat, feel free to drizzle more sriracha or your favorite hot sauce right at the table.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this stir fry with fresh, thinly sliced green onion tops—they add a mild onion sharpness and a pretty pop of color. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and toasty note that pairs beautifully with the sesame oil in the sauce.

Side Dishes

Jasmine rice is my go-to base for soaking up all that saucy goodness, but I’ve also tried it with steamed brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pair it with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi for a burst of tangy freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this stir fry in individual lettuce cups—fun to eat and adds a refreshing crunch. Another favorite is plating it in shallow bowls with a lime wedge on the side for a zesty squeeze, which really brightens the flavors and makes presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers to an airtight container as soon as it cools to preserve freshness. Stored in the fridge, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe keeps well for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prepping or easy lunches the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a few times without any loss of quality. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out. I find this method keeps the veggies crisp and the turkey moist, much better than the microwave alone.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s fast, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. I love sharing it with friends because it’s simple but impressive, and it always brings smiles around the table. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the flavors just come together with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be one you turn to again and again.

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