Ground Turkey And Vegetable Stir Fry

Name: Ground Turkey And Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Collection

I love whipping up this Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry when I need a quick and healthy meal. With the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables and the savory taste of ground turkey, this dish not only looks good but also tastes incredible. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights because it comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, I can customize the vegetables based on what I have on hand, making it a versatile recipe that I can enjoy time and again.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:17:36.751Z

When I first made this Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. It was my first time using ground turkey, and I found it to be a wonderfully lean and flavorful option. The key to making this stir fry shine is high heat and constant stirring, which helps the turkey brown nicely while keeping the vegetables crisp and colorful.

Over the years, I've tweaked my version by adding ginger for a spicy kick and soy sauce for umami depth. The combination of flavors is comforting yet refreshing, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in those extra veggies we all need!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make on busy weeknights
Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables
Savory and satisfying without being heavy

Choosing the Right Vegetables

When preparing your Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry, selecting the right mix of vegetables is key to achieving a balanced flavor and texture. I recommend using a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, as they bring both nutrients and visual appeal. For a twist, feel free to add snap peas, zucchini, or even spinach if you prefer. The more colorful your dish, the more enticing it looks on the plate!

Keep in mind that certain vegetables require different cooking times. For instance, carrots might take a bit longer to soften, while bell peppers only need a short sauté. To ensure even cooking, cut your vegetables into uniform pieces, ideally about 1-inch in size, to promote consistent tenderness while maintaining a slight crispness.

Perfecting Your Stir-Fry Technique

Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, and it’s essential to keep the ingredients moving in the pan to avoid burning. Use a large skillet or a wok to give everything plenty of space to cook evenly. Make sure the skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before you add the turkey; you want it to sizzle as soon as it hits the pan for that beautiful golden-brown crust.

As a tip, I often start with the ground turkey and then add the vegetables to the pan gradually. This staggered approach ensures the turkey is fully cooked and allows the vegetables to retain their crunch. If you notice any sticking or browning on the bottom of the pan, a splash of water or a bit more sesame oil will help lift those flavorful bits, infusing further depth into your stir-fry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry.

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Make sure to have everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stir fry.

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Season and Serve

Add the soy sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute your favorite veggies or add spices for an extra kick. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry is a fantastic meal prep option! You can prepare the turkey and vegetable mixture up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, usually about 5-7 minutes. This meal can also last up to three days in the fridge, making it easy to have quick lunches ready to go.

If you want to freeze the stir-fry, I recommend doing so after cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Just be sure to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to revive the texture, as reheated stir-fries can sometimes lose a bit of their crispness.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs! If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting the ground turkey with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu. Both options will absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil beautifully, providing that hearty protein kick without meat.

Another way to switch things up is by incorporating different sauces. Instead of soy sauce, consider using tamari for a gluten-free alternative, or even try a spicy Szechuan sauce for a kick. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works great as a substitute and offers a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the turkey with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.