If you’re on the lookout for a flavor-packed dish that’s both simple to whip up and satisfying to eat, look no further than this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry. This mealtime superstar not only boasts a delightful combination of sweet and savory notes, but it also brings together a medley of vibrant vegetables that will elevate any dinner table. The beauty of this stir fry lies in its zesty homemade teriyaki sauce, which harmonizes perfectly with lean ground turkey, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters seeking a quick meal solution on hectic weeknights. With minimal prep time, this dish can be ready in under thirty minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The appeal of Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry doesn’t stop at its incredible taste; it’s also packed with nutrients from broccoli and carrots, delivering a boost of vitamins and minerals with every bite. Plus, preparing this meal from scratch means you’ll avoid preservatives and excess sugars often found in pre-packaged sauces. The homemade teriyaki sauce is a breeze to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, and the result is a sticky, delicious coating that pairs beautifully with your choice of steamed rice or noodles. This dish is not only a favorite among kids but also a hit with adults, as it caters to a wide range of taste buds and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is sure to impress. Ready to enhance your cooking repertoire? Let’s get started on this exciting culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to new heights!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Quick to Prepare: In just under 30 minutes, you can have a nutritious and delicious meal ready to serve.
- Nutritious: Packed with veggies like broccoli and carrots, this dish is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Flavorful: The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry.
- Family-Friendly: A tasty choice for both kids and adults, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure a smooth cooking experience, start by gathering all of your ingredients and tools. This dish requires a large skillet or a wok for stir frying, which provides ample space for the ingredients to cook evenly. It’s helpful to have a whisk on hand for combining the cornstarch with water in the teriyaki sauce, as this will ensure it becomes smoothly incorporated. A small saucepan is necessary for cooking the teriyaki sauce, while a cutting board and knife will be essential for chopping your onion and dicing any additional veggies you might want to include.
Before you begin cooking, make sure your workspace is clean and organized. Set out your ingredients so everything is within arm’s reach; this will streamline the cooking process. Once everything is prepped, follow the steps outlined in the recipe—your meal will come together effortlessly!
Ingredients
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by making your teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water with the cornstarch until it’s smooth. Once the sauce is bubbling lightly, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, usually for a couple of minutes. When ready, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest for a refreshing hint of citrus. Set the sauce aside while you cook the stir fry.
Step 2: Cook the Stir Fry Ingredients
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion becomes slightly translucent and soft. Following this, add in the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook the turkey thoroughly until it’s browned and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes. It’s essential at this stage to make sure the turkey is cooked through, as this is a poultry dish.
Step 3: Incorporate the Veggies
Next, once the turkey is cooked, toss in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables together with the turkey for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they are fork-tender, yet still vibrant and crisp. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the teriyaki sauce that you prepared earlier. Coat all the ingredients evenly, allowing them to warm together for an additional few minutes. This will ensure that every bite is infused with the delightful flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for added color and texture.
- Spices: Add some heat with red pepper flakes or adjust the sauce with a splash of sriracha for a spicy twist.
Cooking Notes
- For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the teriyaki sauce.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the stir fry while it cooks, as overcooking could lead to mushy vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the ground turkey stir fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a crisp side salad or spring rolls to round out your dinner.
Tips
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process even quicker and more enjoyable.
- If possible, use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in the teriyaki sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
What can I use instead of ground turkey?
You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and use it within a week.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I freeze this stir fry?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir fry. Just ensure everything is cooled before storing in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation that suits everyone’s needs. Whether you’re solving a weeknight dinner dilemma or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish brings smiles and satisfied appetites. Remember, the homemade teriyaki sauce makes a remarkable difference in taste and health. We encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with your variations, and share your results with us. Would you like to make this dish spicier, or perhaps add in your favorite seasonal veggies? The possibilities are endless, and we’d love to hear about your delicious adventures in the comment section below. Dive into the world of quick and easy cooking with our Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry!
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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix together ¾ cup of water, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water with the cornstarch until it’s smooth. Once the sauce is bubbling lightly, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, usually for a couple of minutes. When ready, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest for a refreshing hint of citrus. Set the sauce aside while you cook the stir fry.
- Cook the Stir Fry Ingredients: In a large skillet or wok, heat up the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion becomes slightly translucent and soft. Following this, add in the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook the turkey thoroughly until it’s browned and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes. It’s essential at this stage to make sure the turkey is cooked through, as this is a poultry dish.
- Incorporate the Veggies: Once the turkey is cooked, toss in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables together with the turkey for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they are fork-tender, yet still vibrant and crisp. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the teriyaki sauce that you prepared earlier. Coat all the ingredients evenly, allowing them to warm together for an additional few minutes. This will ensure that every bite is infused with the delightful flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to swap out the ground turkey for chicken, beef, or tofu, and adjust vegetables to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 g