Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

This ground turkey teriyaki stir fry combines lean protein with a homemade teriyaki sauce for a family-friendly dinner that hits all the right flavor notes. The hint of orange zest brightens the traditional teriyaki flavors, creating a dish that's both familiar and exciting.

I created this recipe when trying to break out of our dinner rut last winter. Now my family requests it almost weekly, especially my youngest who previously claimed to hate broccoli but devours it when coated in this teriyaki sauce.

Ingredients

• For the Teriyaki Sauce
• Soy sauce: Creates the savory umami foundation of the sauce
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramelized sweetness
• Honey: Balances the saltiness with natural sweetness
• Fresh garlic and ginger: Provide aromatic punch look for firm ginger roots
• Orange zest: Brightens the sauce with citrus notes use organic oranges if possible
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
• For the Stir Fry
• Ground turkey: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully choose 93% lean
• Sesame oil: Adds authentic Asian flavor a little goes a long way
• Broccoli florets: Perfect for catching sauce in all their little nooks
• Diced onion: Provides sweetness and depth when caramelized
• Shredded carrots: Add color nutrition and subtle sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine the soy sauce water brown sugar honey garlic and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together ensuring the sugar fully dissolves. The aroma will be incredible as the garlic and ginger infuse into the liquid. Let the mixture come to a gentle bubble not a rolling boil.

Create and Add the Cornstarch Slurry:

Whisk the remaining water and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. This is crucial for a silky sauce. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously whisking. Watch as the sauce transforms before your eyes thickening to a glossy consistency within about 30 seconds. Remove from heat immediately to prevent over-thickening.

Add the Finishing Touch:

Stir in the orange zest while the sauce is still warm but off the heat. This preserves the bright citrus oils that would diminish with prolonged cooking. Set aside until ready to use. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Cook the Protein Base:

Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften. Add the ground turkey breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F about 7-10 minutes.

Add Vegetables:

Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the cooked turkey. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables brighten in color and become just tender while maintaining some crispness. This quick cooking preserves nutrients and texture.

Combine Everything:

Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece with the glossy sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce fully coats all ingredients.

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The orange zest is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when trying to brighten up the sauce one evening when it tasted flat. Now I always keep oranges on hand specifically for this dish. My daughter actually helps zest the orange every time we make this which has become our special cooking ritual.

Make-Ahead Options

This stir fry reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire dish and portion it into microwave-safe containers with rice for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop more complexity after a day in the refrigerator. If making ahead consider keeping the sauce separate until reheating to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft.

Customizing Your Stir Fry

This recipe welcomes endless variations. For a spicier version add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. Vegetable options are limitless try adding bell peppers snow peas water chestnuts mushrooms or baby corn. For a lower-carb option serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups instead of traditional rice. You can also swap the ground turkey for ground chicken beef or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

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Sauce Troubleshooting

The perfect teriyaki sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If your sauce becomes too thick add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin return it to the heat and simmer for a few more minutes. For a more authentic flavor profile substitute mirin for some of the water and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. The sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cultural Context

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce mirin and sugar. This recipe takes creative liberties with the traditional approach by using ground meat and creating a thickened sauce. While not authentic to Japanese cuisine this fusion approach delivers the beloved sweet-savory flavor profile in a weeknight-friendly format that appeals to American palates while maintaining the spirit of the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different protein for this stir fry?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, pork, or beef. If using beef, make sure to drain excess grease after browning to avoid a heavy dish.

→ What vegetables can I use besides broccoli and carrots?

You can try other vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, baby corn, or shredded cabbage. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.

→ How do I make the sauce less thick?

If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, simply add a little water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add spice by incorporating cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha into the stir fry for extra heat.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

You can serve this stir fry over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.