If you’re on the lookout for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dinner, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Combining lean protein with crisp, sautéed vegetables and a perfectly sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is an excellent example of how healthy meals can still pack a punch when it comes to taste. It’s colorful, nourishing, and incredibly easy to pull together—making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekly meal prep.
What truly elevates this stir fry is the homemade teriyaki sauce. It skips the overly sugary store-bought versions and instead delivers balance with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The addition of ginger and garlic creates layers of flavor that soak beautifully into the tender veggies and turkey. Whether served over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice, this recipe offers a versatile and wholesome base for a satisfying meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground turkey
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium zucchini, sliced
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1½ cups broccoli florets
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1 cup shredded carrots
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Salt and pepper to taste
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
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Cooked rice, for serving
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Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and carrots; cook until just tender.
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In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
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Pour sauce over the skillet mixture; stir well to coat.
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Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens.
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Serve over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry: A Wholesome Weeknight Favorite
The Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a vibrant and balanced dish that effortlessly blends nutrition, speed, and irresistible flavor. With lean ground turkey as the protein base, this dish is not only filling but also an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited, yet you still crave something hearty, satisfying, and nourishing. The colorful mix of vegetables adds not only visual appeal but also an impressive range of nutrients, ensuring this stir fry is as wholesome as it is delicious.
One of the reasons this stir fry has become a go-to recipe for many home cooks is its adaptability. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce, and serve it with your preferred grain—be it white rice, brown rice, or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice. Whether you’re cooking for one, preparing for a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish scales beautifully and reheats like a dream.
Why Ground Turkey Works So Well
Ground turkey is often praised for being a lean protein option that’s lower in saturated fat compared to other ground meats like beef or pork. In this stir fry, it acts as a flavor sponge—absorbing the homemade teriyaki sauce and delivering it in every bite. It’s also incredibly quick to cook, making it ideal for those who want to prepare a hot, flavorful meal in 30 minutes or less. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and widely available, making it a smart choice for families and individuals looking to maintain a healthy diet without overspending.
The mild flavor of ground turkey pairs exceptionally well with the savory and slightly sweet notes of the teriyaki sauce. When cooked properly, it develops a tender and juicy texture that’s anything but bland. Combining it with a medley of crisp vegetables enhances the texture and flavor profile, resulting in a dish that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
The Beauty of Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
What sets this dish apart from other stir fries is the homemade teriyaki sauce. Store-bought versions can often be overly sweet or contain unnecessary preservatives and additives. Creating your own sauce allows for full control over the flavor and nutritional content. This version typically combines soy sauce for umami depth, honey for natural sweetness, rice vinegar for brightness, sesame oil for a nutty undertone, and fresh garlic and ginger for a bold, aromatic punch.
This harmony of ingredients delivers a sauce that is rich, glossy, and coats every bite of meat and vegetable with just the right balance of sweet and savory. By thickening it with a cornstarch slurry, the sauce becomes velvety, helping it cling beautifully to each component in the stir fry. The result is a dish that feels indulgent, but is actually quite health-conscious.
A Nutrient-Packed Veggie Medley
The combination of vegetables used in the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is both colorful and strategic. Bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and are rich in vitamin C. Broccoli adds crunch and is a powerhouse of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin K. Zucchini contributes a soft, mild contrast to the firmer textures while delivering hydration and B vitamins. Carrots lend natural sweetness and a satisfying bite, all while being high in beta carotene and antioxidants.
This dish provides a true rainbow on your plate, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the body. The high fiber content from the vegetables also contributes to feelings of fullness and satisfaction, making it easier to avoid late-night snacking or unnecessary calories.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another strong advantage of this recipe is its practicality for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and divide it into individual portions for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats well, maintaining both its flavor and texture, which can be a challenge with some stir fry dishes. You can even freeze it for longer storage, making it a great recipe to keep in your rotation for those days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
In addition, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if made with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and it can easily be adapted to suit low-carb or dairy-free diets. The flexibility of this stir fry means it can be tailored to suit your household’s dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Flavorful and Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy this dish. The sweet and savory sauce is universally appealing, and the colorful presentation often makes it more enticing for children or those who are hesitant about vegetables. The bite-sized pieces of vegetables and ground turkey are easy to eat and digest, making it a dish the whole family can enjoy together at the table.
This also makes it an excellent introduction to Asian-inspired cooking for those who are new to using ingredients like sesame oil or fresh ginger. The recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-find items or specialty equipment—just a good skillet and a few pantry staples. That accessibility makes it an ideal starting point for expanding your culinary repertoire while still relying on trusted flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a more protein-rich grain option. For a low-carb alternative, serve it with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. You could even use it as a hearty filling for lettuce wraps or spoon it over noodles for a more comforting take.
To elevate the dish even further, top it with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick. A side of miso soup or a light cucumber salad would round out the meal perfectly if you’re planning a more elaborate dinner presentation.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
This dish is a standout when it comes to providing a well-balanced macro and micronutrient profile. The ground turkey supplies lean protein, the veggies offer fiber and antioxidants, and the sauce (especially when homemade) avoids excessive sugar and sodium. The inclusion of sesame oil adds heart-healthy fats in moderation, and ginger and garlic contribute anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Together, these components create a meal that supports muscle maintenance, digestive health, and blood sugar regulation—all while being low in processed ingredients and high in satisfaction.
Conclusion
The Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a nutrient-packed, family-approved, and completely customizable dish that belongs in every home cook’s weekly lineup. From its lean protein foundation to its vibrant vegetables and flavor-packed sauce, this stir fry proves that healthy meals don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.
Its versatility, simplicity, and nutritional value make it a smart and delicious choice for anyone looking to add more balanced meals to their lifestyle. So next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, let this easy teriyaki stir fry be your answer—it checks every box for flavor, convenience, and nourishment.