Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry: Your New Weeknight Hero

Looking for a lightning-fast, incredibly flavorful, and healthy dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table? Say hello to the trending Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! This recipe is quickly becoming a household favorite for its unbeatable combination of lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a savory, sweet homemade teriyaki sauce that comes together faster than takeout.

Gone are the days of soggy stir-fries and complicated steps. This dish is designed for efficiency and maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein and nutrients, all in one pan!

Why You'll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those demanding weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, coating every bite.
Healthy & Lean: Ground turkey is a fantastic lean protein, and it's loaded with colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or protein.

Ready to whip up this amazing stir fry? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

For the Stir Fry:

1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
½ cup frozen shelled edamame (optional)
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Remove the cooked turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add a little more oil to the skillet if needed. Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If using, add the frozen edamame during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared teriyaki sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the turkey and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry once more, then gradually add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Variations:

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite stir-fry vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts.
Add Some Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients or a drizzle of sriracha at the end will add a welcome kick.
Pre-made Sauce: While homemade is best, a good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce can be used in a pinch. Adjust sweetness and thickness to your liking.
Other Proteins: This recipe also works wonderfully with ground chicken, ground pork, or even cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Meal Prep Friendly: This stir fry makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is more than just a recipe; it's a solution for delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight meals. It proves that you don't need to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!