If you’re looking for a vibrant and wholesome meal that comes together quickly yet packs a punch of flavor, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines lean ground turkey with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory, slightly spicy sauce that hugs every bite. Whether you’re a weeknight cooking warrior or just craving something nourishing and satisfying, this dish delivers both comfort and excitement in every forkful. It’s simple, nutritious, and utterly delicious—a perfect way to celebrate quick and healthy home cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with common, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to your stir fry. From the tender ground turkey to the crisp broccoli and sweet bell peppers, every element adds texture, color, and layers of amazing flavor to the dish.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that makes this stir fry both filling and healthy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for sautéing to bring out the rich flavors and to prevent sticking.
- 1/2 medium onion (bite-size pieces): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
- 5 ounces mushrooms (quartered): Cremini mushrooms lend an earthy savoriness and meaty texture.
- 1 cup chopped cabbage: Crunchy and vibrant, it balances the softness of the turkey and mushrooms.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped): Brings a bright pop of color and a mild sweetness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut small): Packed with nutrients and a satisfying bite, these florets add freshness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Wakes up the palate with a zingy warmth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Classic aromatic that builds a comforting base.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Provides a hint of sweetness and umami complexity.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory saltiness without overpowering the veggies.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Just the right amount of heat to make things interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider or rice vinegar: Balances the richness with a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps create the perfect silky sauce texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that irresistible cling to every ingredient.
- Optional garnishes – chopped scallions and sesame seeds: For that final touch of freshness and nuttiness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
The secret to a smooth stir fry is preparing everything upfront. Chop your veggies, mince garlic, grate ginger, and whisk together the hoisin, soy, sriracha, vinegar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a bowl. This ready-made sauce will come together with no fuss once your cooking starts.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and sauté it, breaking it apart with your spoon until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. This step usually takes about 8-10 minutes and forms the hearty, savory foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Set the Turkey Aside
Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a plate or bowl to keep warm. This allows you to give full attention to the veggies without the meat steaming and losing texture.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the onion pieces. Cook them just a minute until they start to soften, releasing a subtle sweetness that will complement the saucy goodness to come.
Step 5: Add All the Vegetables
Now bring the stir fry to life by adding the mushrooms, cabbage, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, keeping the veggies tender-crisp. If you love your vegetables softer, feel free to cook a little longer, but the freshness of the crunch is part of the charm!
Step 6: Combine Turkey and Sauce
Return the ground turkey to the skillet, then pour in the pre-mixed sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, coating every morsel of turkey and vegetable with flavorful goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is now perfectly cooked and ready. Serve it steaming hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain. Sprinkle with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if you like, adding that extra layer of texture and visual appeal.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped scallions for a fresh, oniony bite and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nuttiness. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s flavor and make it look restaurant-worthy right at home.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice for a healthier twist, or even rice noodles for an Asian-inspired feast. You could also serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad for added coolness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the stir fry into lettuce wraps or stuff it inside warm pita pockets. Another great idea is to serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option while still enjoying all the delicious textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully even after reheating, making it a wonderful quick lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, the Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe freezes well. Divide the cooled stir fry into portions, seal tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to keep vegetables tender and not mushy.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will keep the dish light while offering a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s cooked through fully for a safe, tasty meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sriracha adds a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the sriracha, or adding more if you love fiery dishes. It’s very adaptable to your taste buds.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are best for that vibrant crunch, but in a pinch, frozen veggies can work. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding them to avoid a soggy stir fry.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce handy, you can mix a tablespoon of soy sauce with a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar and a splash of rice vinegar for a similar sweet-savory profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free easily by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check other ingredients like hoisin sauce for gluten content or substitute with alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite with its perfect balance of lean protein, crisp veggies, and a saucy finish that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s incredibly flexible, easy to make, and bursting with flavors that never get old. I really hope you give it a try and make it your own—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this fast, fabulous dinner in your rotation!
Print
Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Stir Fry packed with fresh vegetables and a savory homemade sauce. This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, combining tender turkey and crisp vegetables in a delicious hoisin-soy-ginger glaze.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, cut into bite-size pieces
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
- Optional for serving: chopped scallions, sesame seeds
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider or rice vinegar, chicken broth, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and sauté for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through.
- Remove Turkey: Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate or bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Cook Vegetables: Add mushrooms, cabbage, red bell pepper, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Cook longer if a softer texture is preferred.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to combine. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the meat and vegetables evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha sauce.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added according to preference, such as snap peas or carrots.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control sodium levels.
- Can be served with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Make sure to cook the vegetables until just tender to preserve their crunch and nutrients.
