Name: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 cup water (divided); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder); 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, but highly recommended); 1 lb ground turkey (85% lean for best flavor); 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or substitute olive oil); 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 small onion (diced (white or yellow)); 1 cup shredded carrots; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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If you’re on the hunt for a fast, flavorful, and family-approved meal, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is your weeknight dinner hero. It’s a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a hint of citrus from fresh orange zest, all tossed together in a homemade teriyaki sauce that beats anything from a bottle. Ready in under 30 minutes and loaded with nutritious veggies, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying, balanced dinner—even on your busiest nights.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
Packed with protein and fiber-rich vegetables
Made with a homemade teriyaki sauce full of real ingredients
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Family-friendly and easily customizable

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is the kind of dish that leaves no leftovers—and might even inspire someone to do the dishes (wishful thinking, but we can dream!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup water, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb ground turkey (85% lean for best flavor)
2 teaspoons sesame oil (or substitute olive oil)
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 small onion, diced (white or yellow)
1 cup shredded carrots
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a light boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and remaining ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens—this happens quickly! Remove from heat, stir in the orange zest, and set aside.

2. Cook the Stir Fry: While the sauce is coming together, heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. the broccoli and shredded carrots to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the veggies are tender. If using frozen broccoli, cover the pan briefly to steam.

3. Combine and Serve: Reduce heat to low and pour the teriyaki sauce over the stir fry. Stir to coat everything evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.

Pro Tips and Variations

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a kick.
Extra saucy? Double the sauce and add as much as needed.
Switch up the veggies: Try bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Try other proteins: Ground chicken, pork, or even tofu all work well.
Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens.

Serving Ideas

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is incredibly versatile. Try it:

Over white, brown, or jasmine rice
With rice noodles or soba noodles
In lettuce cups for a low-carb option
On top of a salad for a protein boost
With a side of steamed edamame or miso soup

Toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add extra layers of flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This recipe is meal prep-friendly and stores beautifully:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the stir fry cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce until heated through.

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Conclusion

This easy stir fry hits that sweet spot of being healthy, hearty, and ridiculously easy. The bold teriyaki flavor made from real pantry ingredients will have your family asking for seconds, and it’s flexible enough to suit whatever you have in the fridge. It’s the kind of meal that makes life simpler—no need for takeout, just a flavorful, fuss-free dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.