Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

A simple weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry is just the right amount of sweet and savory. Packed with broccoli, a hint of orange zest and all the flavor the whole family will love!

A simple weeknight dinner that no one complains about is seriously a dream come true.

This Ground Turkey Teriyaki is the meal that you won't mind making, and they will sit up straight with big smiles--and maybe even offer to do dishes! Ok, I went too far. That won't happen, who are we kidding.

But regardless, I love this ground turkey teriyaki stir fry because:

1. Prep time is minimal. The only veggie I chop up is the onion or leek. Other than that. I add frozen broccoli and use minute rice or rice I already prepped in the week so this one is easy peasy.
2. Cook time is quick. You can make the teriyaki sauce while you stir fry the meat and veggies. Doing so will have you looking at about 15 minutes of cook time.
3. The teriyaki sauce. Do you know how easy teriyaki sauce is to make? Seriously, there is no need to ever go store bought again.
4. The flavor of teriyaki with a hint of orange zest is out of this world. I love teriyaki, I mean how could you not? Simple ingredients don't have to be boring. Just a little bit of zest does the trick!

What you will need to make this:

• I use frozen broccoli more often than not. Makes it one less thing to prep! Fresh broccoli florets will work fine as well.
• For a bit more flavor, I always opt for 85% lean ground turkey. I find anything higher to be too lean for my liking.
• I came into a TON of leeks accidentally when I put in a grocery order. I don't normally add leeks to stir fries but I did like it a lot. You can use green onions or a regular onion instead if you don't have any leeks.

How to make this recipe:

You can make the teriyaki sauce while you cook the stir fry if you would like. You can also make it in advance and have it ready in the fridge or set it aside until you are ready to add it in.

• Combine the 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir to combine. Allow it to come to a slight boil. (steps 1-2)
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn starch and 1/4 cup water to make a slurry. The corn starch should be completely dissolved. Once the mixture in the pot starts to bubble, slowly add the slurry into the pot and stir continuously until thickened as desired. This will thicken pretty fast. Remove from the heat immediately and set aside until ready to use. (step 3)

• While the teriyaki sauce is heating, heat the sesame oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the onions or leeks and sauté for several minutes to soften. Add in the ground turkey and cook until cooked through. (steps 4-5)
• Once the turkey is cooked, add in the broccoli and sauté several minutes or until cooked through (if frozen) or softened and starting to brown slightly (fresh). (step 6)

Turn the heat to low and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir to combine and allow to simmer for several minutes. Sprinkle fresh orange zest over top. Add salt and pepper to taste. (steps 7 and 8)

Spoon over rice when you are ready to serve and sprinkle

Notes and Tips:

• You can certainly use another kind of ground meat if desired. Chicken, pork or beef would still be delicious.
• For a kick of head, add in some cayenne or red pepper flakes to your ground turkey teriyaki. A touch of siracha is great as well!
• If you teriyaki is too thick, add in some water until desired thickness.

Try these other simple dinner recipes:

• Spinach Feta Turkey Burger
• Simple Turkey Pepper Skillet
• Orange Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Simple Turkey Chili

DID YOU MAKE ONE OF MY RECIPES? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW! I ALSO LOVE TO SEE YOUR LEMONS + ZEST RECIPES ON SOCIAL MEDIA–TAG ME @LEMONSANDZEST ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK!