Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring lean ground turkey, mixed vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over rice for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- For the Teriyaki Sauce: 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup cold water, for slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, for slurry
- Orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your homemade teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cold water and cornstarch until completely smooth to create a slurry. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce visibly thickens. Remove from heat and, if desired, stir in a pinch of orange zest. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add your desired stir-fry vegetables to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Continue to sauté for several minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If using frozen vegetables, cook until heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything evenly and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Serve the ground turkey teriyaki stir fry hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall salt content.
- Fresh vegetables provide the best texture, but frozen can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey and brown sugar to taste.
- Ensure ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.