If you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner that delivers on both flavor and nutrition, you absolutely have to try this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry! Each bite is savory, sweet, and loaded with perfectly tender-crisp veggies alongside juicy ground turkey, all tossed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better-Than-Takeout Flavor: This homemade Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry packs a punch of sweet, savory, and gingery sauce—no bottled teriyaki required.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying meal in a pinch.
- Healthy and Hearty: Lean ground turkey, lots of vegetables, and a lighter take on teriyaki sauce mean you get a nutritious meal that doesn’t taste like a compromise.
- Customizable: Mix and match veggies or even swap in different proteins—this stir fry adapts to your fridge and your tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry are beautifully simple, but each one plays an important role in giving the dish its signature flavor and incredible stir-fried texture. From aromatic ginger to bright orange zest, here’s what brings this dish to life.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and tender, it soaks up all that teriyaki goodness and keeps things light but filling.
- Soy Sauce: This is the salty backbone of the homemade teriyaki—use low sodium if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar & Honey: A touch of each adds caramel-like sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics are essential for authentic rich flavor and warmth.
- Broccoli Florets: Their crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color make every bite pop.
- Diced Onion: Brings mild sweetness and savory depth to the stir fry base.
- Shredded Carrots: For a pop of color and lightly sweet crunch in every mouthful.
- Sesame Oil: Adds toasty, nutty richness—that classic stir fry finish.
- Corn Starch: Thickens the teriyaki sauce until it’s irresistibly glossy.
- Orange Zest: Infuses the sauce with an unexpected, fresh brightness that takes it over the top.
- Salt & Pepper: Just a dash rounds out all the flavors—season to taste!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry is just how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you’re working with what’s already in your fridge or aiming for a new twist on the classic, here are some ideas to get creative.
- Veggie Swap: Try snap peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn—mix and match your favorites or whatever you need to use up!
- Protein Change-Up: Ground chicken or pork work perfectly in place of turkey; tofu is great for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into your teriyaki sauce for bold heat.
- Low-Carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies for something lighter but still delicious.
How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, ¾ cup water, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low boil, then make a cornstarch slurry with the remaining ¼ cup water and cornstarch, and drizzle it in. The sauce will thicken up beautifully; finish with orange zest for a fresh, citrusy burst, then set aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions
Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion (or leeks if you prefer!) and sauté for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Crumble in the ground turkey and cook, stirring often, until it’s fully browned and reaches 165°F—about 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as you go.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Stir Fry
Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Continue stirring and cooking until the vegetables are just tender but still have that little bit of crunch—nobody wants soggy stir fry!
Step 4: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in your homemade teriyaki sauce. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the turkey and veggies, letting the flavors meld for a few minutes—this is where the magic happens and the whole kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry over warm rice, quinoa, noodles, or whatever makes you happiest, and dig in while it’s hot. Don’t forget your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry
- Homemade Sauce Magic: Don’t overcook the teriyaki sauce; remove it from the heat right as it thickens so it stays luscious and coats every bite perfectly.
- Stir Fry Speed: Have all your veggies prepped before you begin cooking—the process goes quickly and you don’t want anything to overcook.
- Crisp-Tender Vegetables: Add the broccoli near the end and don’t be shy about using fresh or frozen—it’ll cook perfectly either way!
- Citrus Punch: Grate the orange zest at the last moment for maximum brightness and avoid any bitter pith.
How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle on sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and even a dash of sriracha or chili oil for gorgeous color and a little extra zip. A few cilantro leaves also add fresh contrast to the rich teriyaki.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry is wonderful over fluffy steamed rice, but you can also serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or even a nest of noodles. For an even heartier meal, add a side of miso soup or simple cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups or stuff into whole-grain wraps for a hand-held option. If you’re hosting, arrange servings in small bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens and extra orange zest for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—this stir fry is just as good (if not better!) the next day, as the flavors keep deepening.
Freezing
You can freeze Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool fully, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch—just cover and heat until piping hot.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe if you prefer it or already have some on hand. The rest of the recipe remains the same—just cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
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What vegetables can I substitute for broccoli and carrots?
You can swap in snap peas, bell peppers, baby corn, zucchini, or even spinach. Feel free to use whatever veggies your family loves or whatever you need to use up in the fridge.
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Is the homemade teriyaki sauce very sweet?
This teriyaki sauce strikes a balance between savory and sweet, thanks to the brown sugar and honey. If you prefer a less-sweet version, simply reduce the brown sugar by 1 tablespoon or add a splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
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Can I prepare Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance, and even fully cook the stir fry up to 2 days ahead. Just store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy dinner with huge flavor and a healthy twist, make this Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry part of your weekly routine. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—delicious, customizable, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to your table!
Print
Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and satisfying Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 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 cornstarch
- 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, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Teriyaki Sauce: Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil. Whisk 1/4 cup water and cornstarch together until dissolved. Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture and allow to thicken. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and set aside.
- For the Stir Fry: Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until fully done. Add broccoli and carrots; cook until tender. Reduce heat, stir in Teriyaki sauce, and simmer.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
