This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry is the ultimate weeknight hero — fast, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. With lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a meal that delivers both nutrition and taste in every bite.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Tender turkey absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, while crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. The result is a perfectly balanced stir-fry that feels hearty yet light — ideal for busy evenings or when you want a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Best of all, this stir-fry pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps, giving you endless serving possibilities. It’s everything you love about takeout, but fresher, healthier, and quicker to make.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry
You’ll love this recipe because it’s fast, healthy, and incredibly versatile. The savory-sweet teriyaki glaze clings perfectly to ground turkey, creating deep, satisfying flavor without being heavy.
Additionally, it’s family-friendly and meal-prep approved. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great choice for lunch the next day.
Furthermore, the recipe is completely customizable — you can swap vegetables, adjust sweetness, or even add heat for a spicy twist. It’s a dish that never disappoints and always fits your schedule.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’ve been looking for a lighter stir-fry that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this one’s for you. The homemade teriyaki sauce — made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger — delivers authentic Asian-inspired taste without any artificial additives.
Moreover, ground turkey cooks faster than sliced chicken or beef, making this dish a perfect option for quick, nutritious dinners. You’ll have everything simmering in one skillet in less time than it takes to order delivery.
Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside — this will thicken once heated.
2. Brown the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic, ginger, and diced onion. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — this step builds the base flavor for your sauce.
4. Toss in Vegetables
Add bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain their crispness.
5. Pour in the Teriyaki Sauce
Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the turkey and vegetables. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over white or brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
10 Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry
- Don’t overcook the turkey — stop as soon as it’s no longer pink.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for authentic flavor.
- Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mix the sauce before adding to prevent clumps of cornstarch.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Add chili flakes for a hint of spice.
- Use a nonstick pan to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
- Cook veggies briefly to maintain color and crunch.
- Double the sauce if you like extra glaze for rice or noodles.
- Garnish before serving for that fresh, restaurant-style finish.
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken Version: Swap turkey for ground chicken.
- Beef Teriyaki: Use lean ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tang.
- Spicy Version: Stir in sriracha or chili paste.
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and less honey.
- Extra Veggies: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Peanut Infusion: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for nutty depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Meal Prep Style: Cook rice separately and portion into containers with stir-fry for easy grab-and-go meals.
What to Serve With Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry (Step-by-Step)
- Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a classic pairing.
- Try soba or ramen noodles for a takeout-style twist.
- Add a side of steamed edamame for protein balance.
- Serve with a cucumber salad to cool the heat.
- Finish with fresh lime wedges or sesame seeds for a bright, nutty accent.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze
Freeze in portions without rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the glaze. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely — use a stir-fry mix; just cook a few minutes longer to remove excess moisture.
3. How can I make it spicy?
Add sriracha, red chili flakes, or diced jalapeños.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales perfectly. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
5. Is it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
6. Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?
You can, but ground turkey has a better texture for stir-fry.
7. What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine or brown rice works great; cauliflower rice is ideal for low-carb.
8. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add a bit more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
9. Can I make it without honey?
Yes, replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
10. Does it keep well for meal prep?
It’s excellent for meal prep — just store the rice and stir-fry separately.