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This Asian Ground Turkey Stir Fry is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for those days when you need a meal that’s quick, easy, and requires minimal brainpower to put together!
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean your stir-fry has to be short on flavor. It is truly a lifesaver on hectic weeknights when I have failed to plan ahead. The beauty of this dish is in its speed, simplicity, and versatility, making it perfect for the whole family!
Plus, it’s budget-friendly, which is always a win. I keep a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and a lean protein on standby. No need for a special grocery store run.
Ground turkey often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s not just a lean and healthy option; it’s also incredibly easy to season to suit your taste.
With homemade stir fry sauce ready, this dish takes under 20 minutes. Add as much or as little sauce as you like!
Another bonus to making this stir-fry is the leftovers. I love having enough to serve multiples meals out of it for the next several days.
If you are a fan of stir-fry like my family, try this Moo Goo Gai Pan or this Sweet and Sour Meatball Stir Fry and vegetable stir fry noodles!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Ground turkey – A lean and versatile protein option that adds a hearty and savory element to the stir fry. Turkey brings a lighter alternative to traditional beef, allowing the flavors of the stir fry to shine.
- Mixed Vegetables fresh or frozen: Colorful medley of veggies for a burst of flavor, texture, and nutrients. I like to use frozen for convenience. Note that frozen vegetables are flash-frozen shortly after harvesting, locking in their nutrients at peak freshness. This means you can still enjoy a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, even during off-seasons.
- Stir fry sauce – while you can use store-bought sauce, this homemade stir fry sauce is SO easy to make and absolutely delicious. It brings a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are thawed and cooked through. Cover if you want really soft vegetables (for your baby or toddler).
Step 3: Pour the homemade stir fry sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the quantity of sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
- If using frozen vegetables, you don’t have to thaw them all the way, but it’s helpful to take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking. This way, they’ll soften up a bit and blend nicely with the cooked turkey.
- Use a wok for the ultimate stir fry experience, but it’s not necessary.
Substitutions
- Ground meat – instead of turkey, try with ground chicken, ground beef, or pork.
- Vegetables – Feel free to choose any vegetables you like for this stir fry, like bell peppers, baby corn, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, or water chestnuts. Just make sure that the cuts are consistent to maintain similar cook times.
- Stir Fry Sauce – while the homemade version is so simple, you can certainly use a store-bought option if you prefer.
Variations
- Spicy – add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic paste for an extra kick.
- Wrap it up – Create a delicious lettuce wrap by using the turkey stir fry as the filling. Take crisp lettuce leaves and generously spoon in the turkey stir fry. Roll them up, and you’ve got a fresh and vibrant lettuce wrap bursting with savory goodness.
- Make a Meal – Turn it into a bowl by serving the turkey stir fry over your choice of traditional white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite noodles.
- Additional Toppings – Finish the dish off with sliced green onions, sesame seeds or chopped cashews or peanuts.
Equipment
While not essential, there’s something special about cooking stir fry in a wok rather than a large skillet. This carbon steel wok is amazing!
The high heat it provides leads to a faster cook time, and the continuous stirring not only adds to the unique flavor but also helps in cooking the ingredients more rapidly.
The result is a dish that just hits differently – quick, flavorful, and that distinctive wok-charred touch.
Storage
Store in an airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3-4 days.
Allow to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ
Absolutely! You can prep this stir fry for the week, store it in the fridge, and reheat for quick lunches or dinners. It’s convenient and maintains its flavors well.
No, feel free to use whatever vegetables you wish. Frozen mixed vegetables are for simplicity and ease in this recipe.
Certainly! You can use ground chicken, beef, tofu or any protein of your choice.
More Easy Asian Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Asian ground turkey stir fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/3-1/2 cup stir fry sauce
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are thawed and cooked through. Cover if you want really soft vegetables (for your baby or toddler).
- Pour the homemade stir fry sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and infuse the flavors into the stir fry.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.Serve the Ground Turkey Stir Fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
- If using frozen vegetables, you don’t have to thaw them all the way, but it’s helpful to take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking. This way, they’ll soften up a bit and blend nicely with the cooked turkey.
- Pair this stir fry with a bowl of rice or noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying, complete meal with minimal prep time.
- You can use a store-bought Stir Fry Sauce if you prefer.
- Use a wok for the ultimate stir fry experience, but it’s not necessary.
Super quick, easy and delicious!!! I threw in broccoli, carrots and cauliflower and used ground beef because it is what we had on hand. My whole family loved it! Our littles are 5 years and 11 months old. MJ’s recipes are a weekly staple in our home!
Aww this makes me SO happy to hear and encourages me to keep sharing my recipes! Thank you!
Hi! Is this suitable for 8 months old babies? Will it be better to add in quinoa instead of rice?
And for the sauce, is it possible to substitute the sugar with something else? Or can it be completed omitted? Thank you !
Made this tonight–super easy and very yummy. Could have used a little salt. And next time will probably serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of couscous. Thanks for the great recipe!
Thanks, Carolyn for taking the time to let me know! Glad you enjoyed it 😉
This sounds delicious, and I bet my fiance would even like it even though he claims he “doesn’t like ground turkey!” 😉