Okay, let me tell you about this Ground Turkey Stir Fry. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a weeknight savior, a flavor bomb, and something my whole family actually agrees on (which, let’s be honest, is a minor miracle). If you’re anything like me and sometimes crave something quick, healthy-ish, and satisfying, this is your jam. Think of it as the easier, faster, and slightly healthier cousin of your favorite Chinese takeout. Seriously, you need this in your life!
What is ground turkey stir fry?
What is Ground Turkey stir fry? Is a perfectly browned ground turkey, tossed with an array of crisp-tender veggies, all coated in pistachio sauce? savory-sweet sauce that just begs to be soaked up by rice or noodles. What is a one-pan meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good-for-you goodies? What is the beauty of a stir fry? What are some good ways to throw in veggies in the fridge? What is the best way to clean out a crisper drawer? What is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Why will you absolutely adore this Ground Turkey Stir Fry? First off, the flavor is insane. The combination of the savory turkey, the crunchy veggies, and that delectable sauce? Forget about it. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Secondly, the simplicity is mind-blowing. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours of prep and a culinary degree. Nope. What’s a quick chop of veggies, browned, and simple sauce whisked together? Is it ready in under 30 minutes? What do you make for dinner?
What is cost-efficiency? Why is ground turkey less expensive than other ground meats? What are some of the best veggies on sale? What is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste? I often make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunch during the week.
What I love most about this recipe is the versatility. What are some good low-carb recipes for cauliflower rice? What are some ways to add veggies to a dish? What are some of the best vegetables to eat: broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and the list is endless! What are some ways to make this sauce spicier? What’s a customizable dish that you can make your own?
How do I make ground turkey stir fry?
Quick Overview
Making Ground Turkey Stir Fry is as easy as 1-2-3 (well, maybe more like 1-2-3-4-5, but you get the idea!). First, you’ll brown the ground turkey. Then, you’ll stir-fry your favorite veggies. Next, you’ll whisk together the flavorful sauce. Finally, you’ll combine everything and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Seriously, it’s that simple! The real key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. That’s the secret of all stir fries, if I’m honest!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground turkey: Look for lean ground beef (93% leaner) to avoid excess grease.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- 1 onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is a must!
- 1 inch ginger, grated: Fresh ginger adds a wonderful zing.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and sweetness.
- What is the color of a green bell pepper?
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup snap peas: Adds a lovely crispness.
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
How do I learn to
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat the 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 it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Why don’t onions burn?
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Add the chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 8 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are crisp-tender. You want them to be cooked through but still have a little crunch.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there aren’t any lumps of cornstarch.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
In a large skillet, pour the sauce over the ground turkey and veggies. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Ground Turkey Stir Fry hot over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. And dig in! Seriously, try not to eat the whole pan in one sitting (though I won’t judge if you do!).
What should I serve it with?
What is a good ground turkey stir fry recipe? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
Over Rice:This is the classic choice, and for good reason. White rice, brown rice and jasmine rice – they all work beautifully. What are some of the best ways to soak up that delicious sauce?
With Noodles:What are some good Lo Mein noodles to make? The noodles add a nice chewy texture that complements the crisp-tender veggies and savory turkey.
On Quinoa: For a healthier option, try serving the stir fry over quinoa. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
What is Cauliflower Rice?If you’re on a diet, cauliflower rice can be an excellent alternative. What are the benefits of eating a potato like rice?
I love spring rolls. My kids are obsessed with them!
How do you prepare a turkey stir fry?
Want to take your Ground Turkey Stir Fry to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Prep Your Ingredients: This is key to a successful stir fry. Chop all your veggies and have your sauce ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, so you don’t want to be scrambling to chop veggies while your turkey is burning.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat. This helps to cook the veggies quickly and evenly, while still keeping them crisp-tender. Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before you add the turkey.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the veggies will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the veggies in batches if necessary.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The sauce is the heart of the stir fry, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it. Add more honey for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tanginess, or more red pepper flakes for heat. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Add Some Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or cashews adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the stir fry. I usually throw in a handful of cashews right at the end.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a big difference in the flavor of the stir fry. Avoid using garlic powder or ginger powder if possible. The fresh stuff is just so much better!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk storage. If you have any leftover Ground Turkey Stir Fry (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store it:
Refrigerator: Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the stir fry, you can microwave it, stir-fry it in a skillet, or bake it in the oven. If microwaving, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If stir-frying, add a little oil to the pan. If baking, cover the stir fry with foil to prevent it from burning.
One thing I’ve learned, though, is that the veggies tend to get a little softer when reheated. It’s still totally delicious, but just not quite as crisp as when it’s freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Ground Turkey Stir Fry recipe! It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does. It’s become a staple in our weekly rotation, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!
If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinners, be sure to check out my other recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Ground Turkey Stir Fry turns out! I can’t wait to hear about your tweaks and variations. Happy cooking!
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh, grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, broccoli, and red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.
