Let me tell you, this 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to weeknight dinners. It’s quick, flavorful, and healthy — perfect when you want something comforting without spending forever in the kitchen. The teriyaki sauce is packed with fresh ginger and garlic, giving it that authentic punch, and ground turkey cooks up so fast that you’re ready to dig in before you know it.

I also love how versatile this stir fry is. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just cooking for yourself after a busy day, it delivers on taste and speed. Plus, you can easily swap or add veggies based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe, it’ll be on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together beautifully, balancing fresh veggies with flavorful protein and a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. Here are some tips on picking and prepping them so your stir fry turns out perfect every time.

Avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a neutral flavor that won’t overpower your stir fry.
Ground turkey: I prefer lean turkey for a healthy boost—make sure it’s fresh for the best texture and taste.
Onion: Diced finely so it softens quickly and sweetens the dish.
Garlic: Fresh cloves minced—avoid pre-minced jars for maximum flavor.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here; chop into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Red bell pepper: Adds color and a mild sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
Carrots: Thinly sliced or pre-shredded makes prep easier and ensures even cooking.
Chicken bone broth: This adds depth to the teriyaki sauce; if you don’t have it, a mild vegetable broth works too.
Coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative with a bit less salt, perfect for that slightly sweet umami flavor.
Coconut sugar: Don’t skip this—it helps balance acidity and adds a subtle caramel note.
Rice vinegar: Provides just the right tang to brighten up the sauce.
Sesame oil: Use sparingly—it’s the secret ingredient that gives this stir fry its unmistakable aroma.
Fresh ginger: Either grated or minced for that fresh spicy zing; it’s worth the extra effort!
Arrowroot starch: It thickens the sauce beautifully without changing the flavor or making it gummy.
Prepared rice: Frozen pre-cooked rice is my lifesaver on busy nights.
Green onions: A fresh garnish that adds crunch and color.
Sriracha: Optional but highly recommended if you love a little heat.
Sesame seeds: Toasted or plain, they add a lovely nutty crunch as a finishing touch.

Variations

I like to tweak this 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or mood I’m in. It’s a versatile base that you can customize endlessly, so don’t be shy—make it your own!

Use ground chicken or pork: I’ve swapped turkey for chicken when I needed something a bit lighter, and it works wonderfully.
Add different veggies: Snow peas, snap peas, or baby corn are great seasonal swaps if you want extra crunch.
Make it vegan: Try using firm tofu or tempeh instead of turkey and swap bone broth for vegetable broth.
Spice it up: Toss in a few sliced jalapeños or a splash of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Use tamari instead of coconut aminos: If you prefer more traditional soy sauce flavor, tamari is a great sub.

How to Make 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Pan and Cook Onions & Turkey

Get your skillet or wok hot over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and the ground turkey. Break the turkey up as it sizzles, stirring frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it just browned, not dry—keep a close eye so it stays juicy and tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Veggies

Next, add the minced garlic, broccoli florets, carrot slices, and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp and the turkey cooked through (no pink showing). Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Whisk the Teriyaki Sauce

While your stir fry cooks, mix up the sauce! Combine chicken bone broth, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and arrowroot starch in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the arrowroot is fully blended—this ensures a smooth sauce that thickens perfectly.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and veggies. Keep stirring gently as the sauce simmers and thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Be patient here — the sauce will cling to everything as it reduces, creating that beautiful glossy finish you’re after.

How to Serve 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

A top view of many small white bowls and glass bowls with raw ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface with faint patterned tiles. In the center right, a white bowl holds pale pink ground meat with visible lines. To the right, a clear bowl is filled with bright orange shredded carrots. Below that, another clear bowl is full of fresh green broccoli florets. Below left, a clear bowl has bright red-orange sliced bell pepper strips. Above the meat bowl and to the left, a clear bowl contains finely chopped white onion. To the top left, a ceramic white bowl contains a mustard-yellow dressing with black specks. Next to it, a white bowl holds a dark, almost black soy sauce. A small white cup above holds bright green oil or liquid. Several small white cups are scattered with light brown spices, light crushed garlic, light brown liquid, crushed yellow garlic, and white powder. The image is bright and clean, showing each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds — they add freshness and a nice crunch. If I’m feeling spicy, I drizzle on some sriracha. These little touches make the dish feel extra special without any fuss.

Side Dishes

I love serving this stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. Sometimes I throw together a quick cucumber salad on the side to add some coolness and contrast to the warm, savory main.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I like to spoon the stir fry into mini lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Another fun idea is layering it in a bowl with a fried egg on top — the runny yolk mixed into the teriyaki sauce is an absolute game-changer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid soggy veggies. I’ve found reheating in a skillet preserves texture better than the microwave.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes nicely if you want to prep in bulk. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove—I recommend avoiding the microwave to keep the veggies crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, warm a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, then add the leftover stir fry. Stir frequently until heated through. This helps revive the sauce and prevents the turkey from drying out. Top with fresh green onions again if you have them on hand!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this stir fry?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar cooking time. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding the sauce. You might notice a slightly different flavor, but the teriyaki sauce will keep it delicious.
Is there a substitute for coconut aminos in the teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute coconut aminos with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Tamari is gluten-free, unlike traditional soy sauce. Just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust to taste since these alternatives can be saltier than coconut aminos.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?

Cook your veggies over medium-high heat and stir frequently but not too often—you want them to get a little color. Also, adding them in stages, starting with the firmer veggies like broccoli, helps keep them crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking once the sauce is added.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the stir fry, cool it, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well on the stove. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy nights.
What can I use instead of arrowroot starch?

If you don’t have arrowroot starch, cornstarch is a good substitute in the same quantity. Just mix it with the liquid ingredients to avoid lumps before adding to the pan.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this 20-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together so quickly, perfect for busy folks who still want a flavorful, wholesome dinner. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself with something comforting yet nourishing. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!