Craving takeout but want something healthier and budget-friendly? This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry hits every craving without the guilt or the expense. Imagine tender ground turkey coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce, mingling with crisp-tender vegetables in every perfect bite.
The homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer—sticky, slightly sweet from honey, and deeply savory from soy sauce, with fresh ginger and garlic adding aromatic complexity. It clings to the turkey and veggies like a delicious glaze, making each forkful irresistibly flavorful. Plus, this entire stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes, making it faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Budget Friendly: Ground turkey is affordable and lean. It’s significantly cheaper than chicken breast or beef, making this a wallet-friendly weeknight winner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Veggie Packed: A great way to use up whatever vegetables are in your fridge. Stir-fries are forgiving—toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or whatever needs to be used up.
Homemade Sauce: Much healthier and tastier than bottled teriyaki sauce. You control the sweetness and sodium levels, plus fresh ingredients always beat processed versions.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey: Lean and cooks quickly. It browns beautifully and absorbs the teriyaki sauce like a sponge, delivering flavor in every bite.
Broccoli & Carrots: Classic stir-fry veggies that add crunch. The broccoli florets catch pools of sauce while carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium creates the savory base. It’s the backbone of teriyaki sauce—rich, umami-packed, and essential for that authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally. It adds silky texture and gentle sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce perfectly without tasting artificial.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh aromatics make the dish pop. They infuse the sauce with warm, zingy notes that elevate this from basic to restaurant-quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown Meat: Cook ground turkey in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess liquid so your stir fry stays flavorful, not watery.
2. Add Veggies: Add chopped broccoli, carrots, and peppers. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a satisfying snap—mushy veggies ruin a stir fry.
3. Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, water, honey, fresh minced ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Thicken: Pour sauce over the meat and veggies. Toss everything vigorously to coat. The sauce will thicken instantly, transforming into a glossy glaze that coats every piece beautifully.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These finishing touches add nutty crunch and fresh bite that make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Tips for Success
Prep First: Stir-frying happens fast. Chop all your veggies and mix the sauce before you turn on the stove. Once cooking starts, there’s no time to scramble for ingredients.
Cut Veggies Small: Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces that match the ground turkey so every forkful has the perfect ratio.
Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold sauce ingredients to avoid lumps. Whisk vigorously—those lumps won’t dissolve once they hit the hot pan.
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Variations
Spicy: Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mixture. Start with a teaspoon and build up—that spicy kick transforms this into an addictively fiery dish.
Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for sweetness. The juicy, tropical fruit adds bursts of flavor and pairs surprisingly well with the savory teriyaki.
Beef or Chicken: Use ground beef or ground chicken if preferred. Ground beef adds richer flavor, while ground chicken keeps it lean and mild.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice. The grains soak up that incredible teriyaki sauce, turning every spoonful into pure comfort.
Great with udon noodles or ramen noodles. Toss the thick, chewy noodles right into the stir fry for a heartier, more filling meal.
Use lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Crisp butter lettuce or romaine leaves make perfect edible bowls that keep things fresh and light.
FAQs
Is this gluten-free?
Use Tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Tamari has the same rich, savory flavor without the wheat, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and the flavors blend well overnight. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days—it might even taste better the next day.
Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes, add them directly to the pan; just cook a minute longer. Frozen veggies have more moisture, so give them extra time to cook off any excess liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s sticky, savory, sweet, and healthy—everything you want in a quick dinner without any of the takeout regret.
The homemade teriyaki sauce clings to every piece of turkey and vegetable, creating layers of flavor that make each bite exciting. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your Asian food cravings while keeping things lean, clean, and budget-friendly.
Ready to ditch takeout for something better? Save this recipe and make it your new weeknight staple. Your wallet, your taste buds, and your body will all thank you!
Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry (20 Minute Meal!)
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 0.25 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Brown ground turkey in oil until cooked through.
- Add vegetables and stir fry until tender-crisp.
- Pour in sauce and cook until thickened.
- Garnish and serve immediately.