30-minutes Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry

When I need a quick and satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes, my Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry is always a hit.

This dish offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring a simple homemade teriyaki sauce with a hint of orange zest that takes it to the next level.

Trust me, this is a meal that will have everyone at the table smiling!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Easy Prep: The only chopping required is for the onion. Using frozen broccoli and pre-shredded carrots makes this recipe super convenient.
2. Healthy and Tasty: Packed with vegetables, this meal is both delicious and nutritious. I often add more veggies like snap peas or bell peppers to mix it up.
3. Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Making your own teriyaki sauce is surprisingly simple and so much more flavorful than store-bought options. The orange zest adds a unique twist that I absolutely love.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for batch cooking, I can freeze individual portions for a quick, homemade meal anytime.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: I prefer 85% lean for better flavor, but ground pork or chicken work just as well.
• Sesame oil: Olive oil can be substituted if needed.
• Frozen broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are also a great option.
• Shredded carrots: Available pre-shredded in the produce section.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion is ideal.
• Orange zest: Optional but highly recommended. A splash of orange juice can be used instead.
• Fresh ginger: Ground ginger can be used if fresh is not available.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works too.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
• Light brown sugar
• Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos are also great alternatives.
• Corn starch: Arrowroot can be substituted.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Instructions

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, I combine water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. I stir well and bring to a slight boil over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, I whisk together corn starch and water to create a slurry, ensuring the corn starch is fully dissolved.
3. Once the mixture in the saucepan starts to bubble, I slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. I remove it from the heat, stir in the orange zest, and set it aside.

Stir-Fry

1. While the teriyaki sauce is heating, I heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the onions and sauté until softened.
2. I add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked.
3. I then add the broccoli and carrots to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are cooked through (if frozen) or softened and slightly browned (if fresh).
4. I reduce the heat to low and pour in the teriyaki sauce. I stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes. I sprinkle fresh orange zest over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice Bowls: I serve it over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice.
• Lettuce Wraps: Lettuce cups are a great low-carb option.
• Noodles: Rice noodles or egg noodles work well too.
• Toppings: I garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Tips and Variations

• Meat Options: I sometimes use ground chicken, pork, or beef. If using beef, I make sure to drain excess grease after browning.
• Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, I add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a touch of sriracha.
• Veggie Additions: I customize with additional veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, and baby corn.
• Extra Saucy: If I prefer a saucier stir-fry, I double the teriyaki sauce recipe. I add 2/3 of it to start and save the rest or add more as desired.
• Thinning the Sauce: If the teriyaki sauce is too thick, I add water, soy sauce, or fresh orange juice to thin it out.

Storage

• Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: I allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry is my go-to for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a meal the whole family loves. Enjoy!

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