01 -
First things first, get all your veggies prepped. Slice those bell peppers, chop the zucchini, cut the broccoli into small florets, and mince your garlic and ginger. It feels like a lot, but trust me, having everything ready before you start cooking makes all the difference for a stir fry. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Give it a good whisk until there are no lumps—this is where I always double-check for cornstarch clumps, because nobody wants a grainy sauce, right?
02 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tiny splash of oil, then toss in your ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's nicely browned and no longer pink. You want some good browning here; that’s where the flavor lives! I always make sure to drain any excess grease, because a watery stir fry is just... not a stir fry. The kitchen starts to smell so savory at this point, it’s honestly the best.
03 -
Once the turkey is done, remove it from the pan and set aside. Add another small splash of oil if needed, then toss in your diced onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften slightly but still have a bit of a bite. We’re aiming for crisp-tender here, not mushy! I once overcooked the peppers and they lost all their vibrant color, such a bummer.
04 -
Now, add the broccoli florets and your pre-cooked ground turkey back into the pan with the sautéed veggies. Stir everything together, letting the broccoli cook for another 2-3 minutes. This is when I add the zucchini, letting it cook for just a minute or two until it's barely tender. We don't want soggy zucchini, oh no! It should still have a little snap to it. The pan should be sizzling, and the colors are just popping!
05 -
Give your teriyaki sauce mixture another quick whisk, just in case the cornstarch settled at the bottom. Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables in the pan. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, watching it transform! The sauce will start to thicken and coat everything beautifully, turning glossy and rich. This is the magic moment, truly. I always take a little sniff here; it smells so amazing and comforting.
06 -
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle in a touch of sesame oil—remember, this is for flavor, not for cooking! Give it one last good stir. Garnish your beautiful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The aroma from the sesame oil really brings it all together. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste even better. Serve it up right away!