Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry delivers that comforting sweet and savory takeout flavor in under thirty minutes, with plenty of crisp-tender veggies and a bright homemade sauce. The hint of orange zest in the teriyaki gives a refreshing lift that makes it feel just a bit special even when cooked on a busy weeknight.

When I first tried adding orange zest to the teriyaki sauce it immediately became a requested family favorite Our weeknight dinners have felt a lot brighter ever since

Ingredients

• Soy sauce: adds that deep savory backbone look for low sodium if you want to control salt
• Brown sugar: balances the saltiness with a gentle sweetness use dark brown for more caramel flavor
• Water: helps get the sauce just the right consistency filtered water brings out the flavors best
• Honey: gives a softer floral sweetness raw or local honey adds complexity
• Garlic cloves: bring pungency fresh is best mince it very fine for even flavor
• Fresh ginger: provides warmth and zing opt for a plump firm knob and peel before mincing
• Corn starch: thickens the sauce until glossy lumps are avoided by mixing with water first
• Orange zest: brightens everything up choose a firm orange with unblemished skin for plenty of aromatic oils
• Ground turkey: is lean and hearty pick a package where the meat looks moist and evenly colored
• Sesame oil: gives that signature deep nuttiness toasted is ideal for flavor
• Broccoli florets: fill out the dish with crunch and nutrients chop larger pieces for texture
• Small onion: diced well gives sweetness and depth pick a heavy onion with dry skin
• Shredded carrots: offer color and extra crunch buy pre-shredded for convenience or grate your own
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning taste and adjust to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine soy sauce garlic ginger honey brown sugar and most of the water in a small saucepan set over medium heat Stir often until the sugar dissolves and everything is blended well Then bring to a low boil

Thicken the Sauce:

Mix the cornstarch with the remaining water in a small bowl until completely smooth Slowly add this into the saucepan whisking constantly The sauce should start to thicken and turn glossy as you stir Remove from the heat right away and stir in the orange zest Set aside you want it slightly cool when you add it to the pan later

Sauté the Aromatics:

Pour the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high Add your diced onion once the oil is shimmering Let the onion cook for about three to four minutes stirring until the pieces become soft and lose their edges This slow base building step ensures the final stir fry has real depth

Brown the Turkey:

Crumble the ground turkey straight into the skillet breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks Continue stirring and cooking for seven to ten minutes until there is no pink left and the bits are evenly browned The turkey should feel firm and moist

Add the Vegetables:

Pour in the broccoli and shredded carrots stirring to coat in the flavorful oil and turkey juices Let the veggies cook for about four to six minutes until they are crisp tender and vibrant in color You want to keep a close eye so nothing gets overdone The bright color means maximum flavor

Finish with Sauce:

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer Pour your cooled teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables Stir everything well so the glossy sauce coats every ingredient Let it bubble softly for two to three minutes for the flavors to come together perfectly Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Serve and Enjoy:

Pile the stir fry over rice noodles or into lettuce wraps for a lighter option Serve steaming hot with extra orange zest on top if you like

Save This

When making this dish I always look forward to that burst of orange zest in the kitchen My favorite trick is to zest a bit extra and sprinkle it over the finished bowls for added aroma It makes every bite taste fresher and more lively and reminds me of summer evenings with the windows open

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce will thicken as it cools but loosens up again when reheated A splash of water or broth makes reheating on the stovetop especially nice You can also freeze individual portions for a future quick lunch they hold up well for about a month

Ingredient Swaps

If you find yourself out of turkey ground chicken or lean ground beef work beautifully You can swap broccoli for snap peas green beans or bell pepper Try pineapple tidbits added at the end for extra sweetness or use maple syrup instead of honey for a subtle change in flavor

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry is classic served over jasmine or brown rice but I also love it atop cauliflower rice for a lighter option For a noodle bowl toss cooked lo mein or even spaghetti with a drizzle of sesame oil and pile the stir fry on top Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds chopped scallions or crisp snow pea shoots brings a colorful finishing touch

Where Teriyaki Inspires

While teriyaki sauce comes from Japan this stir fry is a truly American style weeknight dish that borrows from both cultures The homemade sauce means you get to adjust flavors to your liking and it is far fresher and brighter than what I grew up with from a bottle

Common Queries

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or beef all work well. If using beef, be sure to drain excess grease after browning.

→ How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Cook broccoli and carrots just until tender, adding them towards the end to maintain their crunch and color.

→ Can this stir fry be made spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a touch of sriracha for heat.

→ What are good serving options for the stir fry?

Serve over steamed rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or use as filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! Snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn make excellent additions to this dish.

→ What if the sauce is too thick?

Simply stir in a splash of water until the desired sauce consistency is reached.