Ground Turkey Stir Fry has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember one evening, staring into the fridge with absolutely no idea what to make for dinner. I stumbled upon some ground turkey and a colorful mix of veggies, and inspiration struck. The aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in the pan, followed by the savory scent of the soy-based sauce, was incredible. This easy ground turkey stir fry is not only incredibly delicious with its tender turkey and crisp-tender vegetables, but it’s also so satisfying. You’ll be amazed at just how simple it is – trust me, you’ll learn how to make ground turkey stir fry like a pro in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:
- The flavor is amazing! It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh herbs.
- It’s incredibly fast. You can have a delicious meal on the table in about 35 minutes.
- It’s a truly healthy ground turkey stir fry, loaded with lean protein and vibrant vegetables.
- It’s budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that pack a punch.
- The whole family will love it – it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters usually enjoy.
- You get a full serving of veggies, making it a great healthy ground turkey stir fry option.
- It’s a versatile dish, perfect for those nights you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables. I love how simple the ingredient list is, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and preventing sticking
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean or regular, both work great
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – they add a wonderful earthy flavor and meaty texture
- 1 cup broccoli florets – for a pop of color and nutrients
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced – for more vibrant color and flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic kick
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – brings a zesty warmth
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos – a fantastic soy-free alternative for the sauce base
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – for that classic umami depth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – adds a nutty, toasted flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon sambal oelek (optional) – if you like a little heat!
- 4 cups cauliflower rice – a lighter, low-carb base
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – for a burst of freshness
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil – adds a lovely, aromatic finish
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Whipping up this Ground Turkey Stir Fry Asian dish is surprisingly simple, and the results are incredibly satisfying. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for any night of the week. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time!
- Step 1: Get your skillet ready! Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This initial heat is key for a good stir-fry.
- Step 2: Add the 1 pound ground turkey to the hot skillet. Cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat; this keeps the dish from being greasy.
- Step 3: Toss in the veggies! Add the 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper, sliced, and 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp, still having a slight bite.
- Step 4: Time for aromatics! Stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Cook for just 1 minute more until you can really smell their amazing fragrance.
- Step 5: Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the 1/2 teaspoon sambal oelek if you’re adding a little heat. This sauce is what gives our Ground Turkey Stir Fry Asian its signature flavor.
- Step 6: Bring it all together. Pour the prepared sauce over the browned turkey and cooked vegetables. Stir everything gently to coat evenly.
- Step 7: Add the base. Now, add the 4 cups cauliflower rice to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is heated through and tender.
- Step 8: Finish with freshness. Stir in the 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. These fresh herbs really elevate the dish.
- Step 9: Season to perfection. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 10: Serve your delicious Ground Turkey Stir Fry immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Stir Fry
I’ve made this Ground Turkey Stir Fry countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to amazing. They ensure you get the best flavor and texture every single time you make it!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the turkey and vegetables; cook in batches if necessary for proper browning.
- Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking – stir-frying happens fast!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of your Ground Turkey Stir Fry Sauce before serving; a little extra soy sauce or spice can make a big difference.
- For an even more vibrant dish, add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a touch of acidity. You can learn more about the benefits of using vinegar in cooking.
What’s the secret to perfect Ground Turkey Stir Fry?
The real secret to a perfect Ground Turkey Stir Fry lies in achieving that delicious balance of flavors in the sauce and ensuring your ingredients have the right texture. My go-to technique involves a well-balanced Ground Turkey Stir Fry Sauce with a mix of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. For more on flavor balancing, check out these cooking tips.
Can I make Ground Turkey Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep ingredients for your Ground Turkey Stir Fry ahead of time! Chop all your vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and even mix the sauce ingredients. Store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes the actual cooking process incredibly fast. For more meal prep ideas, visit our homepage.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Turkey Stir Fry?
A common pitfall is overcooking the vegetables, making them mushy. Make sure to cook them until they’re tender-crisp. Also, don’t cook the ground turkey in a cold pan; a hot skillet is crucial for browning and developing flavor for your Ground Turkey Stir Fry. Understanding proper cooking temperatures is key, as detailed in our terms of use.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This versatile Ground Turkey Stir Fry is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. I love building a hearty Ground Turkey Stir Fry Bowl because it’s so satisfying and customizable.
- Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic pairing.
- Enjoy it with a side of steamed edamame or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for added texture and freshness.
- For a low-carb option, serve this Ground Turkey Stir Fry over a bed of cauliflower rice, as suggested in the recipe, or even spiralized zucchini noodles. For more on healthy eating, see our privacy policy.
Nutrition Facts for Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is not only delicious but also packed with goodness! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Ground Turkey Stir Fry. For information on data privacy, please refer to our GDPR policy.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Leftover Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to have a healthy meal ready whenever you need it. Once your delicious stir fry has cooled down slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. This helps preserve its freshness and flavor. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for having Ground Turkey Stir Fry for dinner later in the week. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Stir Fry
What are the best vegetables to use for Ground Turkey Stir Fry?
You can use almost any vegetable you have on hand for a quick ground turkey stir fry! Beyond broccoli and peppers, I love adding snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or even some baby corn. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I make this Ground Turkey Stir Fry low carb?
Absolutely! This recipe is already designed to be Ground Turkey Stir Fry Low Carb friendly by using cauliflower rice as the base. If you want to keep it even lower carb, you can skip any added sweeteners in the sauce and focus on the savory elements like soy sauce and ginger.
How do I make my Ground Turkey Stir Fry spicier?
For a spicier kick in your Ground Turkey Stir Fry, you can easily increase the amount of sambal oelek. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and ginger, or even serve it with a side of sriracha for those who like it extra hot!
Is this a good Ground Turkey Stir Fry for meal prep?
Yes, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry is fantastic for meal prep! It holds up really well in the refrigerator for several days, making it a perfect option for a quick ground turkey stir fry lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just portion it out into airtight containers once cooled.
Variations of Ground Turkey Stir Fry You Can Try
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, a different base, or a new way to prepare it, there are plenty of delicious twists you can try!
- Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry: For those who love a kick, amp up the heat by adding more sambal oelek or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger. You could also serve it with a drizzle of sriracha for an extra layer of spice.
- Ground Turkey Stir Fry Noodles: Instead of cauliflower rice, try serving this stir fry over your favorite noodles! Whole wheat spaghetti, soba noodles, or even ramen noodles work wonderfully and make for a heartier meal.
- Teriyaki Ground Turkey Stir Fry: Swap out the coconut aminos and soy sauce for your favorite teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more classic Asian flavor profile.
- Sheet Pan Ground Turkey Stir Fry: For an even easier cleanup, toss your ground turkey and chopped vegetables with the sauce ingredients and roast everything on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized.
Perfect 35-Min Ground Turkey Stir Fry
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful ground turkey stir fry with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sambal oelek (optional)
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add mushrooms, broccoli, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sambal oelek (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is heated through.
- Stir in fresh cilantro and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve your delicious ground turkey stir fry immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier ground turkey stir fry, add more sambal oelek.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to your ground turkey stir fry.
- This ground turkey stir fry recipe is easily customizable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg