Easy 30 Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry | Lemons & Zest

There’s something so comforting about a stir fry—the sizzle of ingredients hitting the pan, the aroma of garlic and ginger filling the kitchen, and the promise of a meal that’s both quick and packed with flavor. This Easy 30 Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is my go-to on those nights when I want something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce clinging to tender ground turkey and crisp veggies. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—because who has time to fuss on a busy weeknight?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stir fry—simple, fresh, and full of flavor:

• 1 lb ground turkey – Lean, protein-packed, and cooks up beautifully. You could also use ground chicken if you prefer.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and turkey.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced – Adds sweetness and crunch. Swap for any color you like!
• 1 cup broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen both work here.
• 1 small onion, diced – The base of so much flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because every good stir fry starts with garlic.
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – A little zing that makes all the difference.
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce – Store-bought or homemade—both work!
• 1 tbsp honey – Just a touch to balance the savory sauce.
• 1 tsp sesame oil – For that nutty, aromatic finish.
• Sesame seeds and green onions – For garnish, because pretty food tastes better.

How to Make This Easy Stir Fry

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring this dish together in just 30 minutes:

1. Prep your ingredients. Slice the bell pepper, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless.
2. Cook the turkey. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the veggies. In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then toss in the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Bring it all together. Return the turkey to the pan, then pour in the teriyaki sauce and honey. Stir well to coat everything in that glossy, delicious sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Finish with sesame oil. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, give it one final stir, and you’re done! Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for that extra touch.

Pro Tip: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce!

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

This ground turkey teriyaki stir fry is incredibly forgiving, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Protein Swap: Not a fan of ground turkey? Try ground chicken, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for more color and crunch.
• Spice It Up: Love heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Fresh Ginger: If you have fresh ginger on hand, grate a teaspoon into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve It With

This stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to bulk it up, here are some delicious pairings:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice to soak up that delicious teriyaki sauce.
• Noodles: Swap rice for lo mein or udon noodles for a heartier dish.
• Quinoa: A great gluten-free alternative that adds protein and texture.
• Side Salad: A simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame keeps things light and fresh.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen stir-fry veggies work just fine—just add them straight to the skillet and cook a little longer to evaporate any excess moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the sauce and chop the veggies in advance, then cook everything when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

This ground turkey teriyaki stir fry is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal-prepping for the days ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!