Introduction to Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
As a busy mom, I know how precious every minute is, especially when it comes to dinner time. That’s why I love this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! It’s a quick solution for those hectic weeknights when you want something tasty yet easy to whip up. Picture vibrant veggies sizzling in a sweet and savory sauce, with ground turkey packed with protein. This dish not only impresses my family but is also a fantastic way to sneak in healthy ingredients. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a dream for busy nights! Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also bursting with flavor that your family will adore. With just thirty minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table without feeling rushed. Plus, this dish combines tender turkey with crisp veggies, creating a balanced meal that pleases both picky eaters and health-conscious adults alike.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Now, let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! You’ll find that many of these are staple items you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Soy sauce: This classic Asian condiment adds depth and saltiness to our sauce. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Brown sugar: It’s the secret to that sweet, caramelized flavor! You could substitute with honey or coconut sugar if you’re looking for alternatives.
- Water: We’ll need this to create the sauce base and help everything meld together.
- Honey: This lovely nature-sweetener works wonderfully alongside brown sugar, enhancing the teriyaki flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that brings your stir-fry to life. Seriously, who can resist that rich scent?
- Fresh ginger: A little bit of ginger offers a zesty kick. Ground ginger can be a go-to if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cornstarch: This will help thicken our sauce to give it the perfect consistency. A key element in stir-frying, if you ask me!
- Orange zest: Adding this bright and citrusy note elevates the flavors. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Ground turkey: Our protein of choice! It’s lean and cooks quickly, making it a wonderful option for weeknights.
- Sesame oil: This fragrant oil enhances the dish with its nutty flavor. Canola or olive oil will work in a pinch.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color. Perfect for sneaking in those vital nutrients!
- Diced onion: A flavorful base ingredient that brings sweetness and depth to the mix; any onion variety will do!
- Shredded carrots: These add natural sweetness and a pop of orange. If you prefer, julienned bell peppers or snap peas can also shine here.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for bringing out all the flavors in your dish!
For those who want exact measurements, don’t worry! You can find them listed at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Now that we have everything prepped, let’s get to the fun part: making our Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry! With each step, the scent of this delicious dish will start to fill your kitchen. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be drawn in. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
First, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your soy sauce, ¾ cup of water, minced garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. Bring this mixture to a low boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of water with the cornstarch until there are no lumps. Slowly pour this slurry into your bubbling sauce, stirring constantly. This will help thicken it. Once you see it start to thicken a bit—about a minute or so—remove it from the heat and stir in that fresh orange zest. Set your sauce aside for now. It’s going to work wonders later!
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
Next, let’s get that turkey cooking! Grab a large skillet or wok and heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your ground turkey. Using a spatula, break the turkey apart as it cooks. We want it to brown nicely and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes. The turkey will be juicy and delicious, making it a perfect protein powerhouse for our dish!
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now for the vibrant veggies! Toss in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots into the skillet. Stir them in with the turkey, cooking for about 5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender but still with a slight crunch. Those tender veggies will add both texture and flavor to your stir fry!
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Lower the heat to low and pour in your prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggie mix. Stir everything gently to ensure it’s coated in that glorious sauce. Allow everything to simmer for a few minutes. This lets the flavors blend, making each bite a burst of deliciousness. Serve it up hot over rice or enjoy it as is. Trust me; it’s a dish everyone will be raving about!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Use a non-stick skillet for less sticking and easier cleanup.
- Don’t rush the sauce: let it thicken slowly for the best flavor.
- Feel free to customize veggies based on what your family loves!
- Taste as you go. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or seasoning as needed.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok: A big pan is essential for even cooking. A regular frying pan works too.
- Small saucepan: For preparing the teriyaki sauce. Any small pot will do!
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces and preventing lumps.
- Spatula: Great for breaking apart the turkey and stirring everything up!
Variations
- Add different proteins: Swap ground turkey for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie swaps: Mix in bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for a new twist. Use what you have!
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick your family might enjoy!
- Brown rice or quinoa: Serve over brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
- Low-carb version: Try using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a cozy touch.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
- Drizzle sesame seeds over the top for a delightful finish.
- For a drink, cold green tea complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish with green onions or cilantro for added color and freshness!
FAQs about Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Can I substitute the ground turkey with another protein? Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian option. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
How do I store leftovers of the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook the turkey and vegetables fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture.
What can I serve with my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry? This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. You could also serve it alongside steamed dumplings or a light salad for a complete meal.
Is this stir fry healthy? Yes! This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is low in calories and high in protein, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, you get a good mix of fresh vegetables!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry not only fills your kitchen with amazing aromas but also brings joy to family mealtime. There’s something magical about serving a dish that’s colorful, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a delightful way to bond over good food, sharing laughter and stories while enjoying each bite. Plus, knowing you whipped it up in just thirty minutes? That’s a small victory in itself! So grab your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and make this dish a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation. Your taste buds and family will thank you!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and tasty Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ c soy sauce
- 3 T brown sugar
- 1 c water, divided
- 2 T honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 T corn starch
- 1 T orange zest
- 1 lb Turkey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 c broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- salt and pepper to taste, as desired
Instructions
- Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a low boil. Whisk 1/4 c water and corn starch together well until corn starch is completely dissolved. Slowly stir in the corn starch mixture (slurry) and allow to thicken. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the orange zest and set aside until ready to add to stir fry.
- Add the sesame oil to a wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add the leeks or onion to skillet and heat for several minutes to soften.
- Add in the turkey and heat until fully cooked (165°F should be internal temperature.), about 7-10 minutes.
- Add in the broccoli and carrots and cook until heated through and tender.
- Change the heat to low and stir in the Teriyaki sauce. Simmer for several minutes until ready to serve.
- Serve over rice or as desired!
Notes
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
- This dish can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey, Teriyaki, Stir Fry, Quick Recipe, Easy Dinner