Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
When I think of quick, satisfying meals, Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry tops the list. One evening, after a hectic day, I found myself staring into the fridge, looking for inspiration. All I had was a pound of ground turkey, some broccoli, and a few pantry staples. As I started to chop and sauté, the wonderful aroma filled my kitchen, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. The best part? This dish comes together in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
5 mins
25 mins
Easy
400 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot
The Best Thing About This Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the things I love about Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is how swiftly it comes together. You can have it on the table in under thirty minutes, from start to finish. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels wholesome and comforting.
Flavorful Ingredients
The combination of ground turkey, fresh broccoli, and soy sauce creates a savory and satisfying dish. The garlic powder and ground ginger add layers of flavor that elevate the dish without requiring a long list of complex ingredients. It’s a perfect showcase of how simple ingredients can yield amazing results.
Healthy Option
For those who are health-conscious, this stir fry is a fantastic choice. Ground turkey is a lean protein, and by using fresh vegetables like broccoli and onion, you’re packing your meal with nutrients. You can serve it over rice or even skip the carb for a lighter option.
Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas, the flavor base remains the same. This adaptability makes it a great weeknight staple.
Kid-Friendly
If you have little ones, they’ll likely love this dish too! The colorful vegetables and the savory sauce are appealing to young palates. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to ensure they get their veggies!
One-Pan Wonder
Another reason I adore this recipe is the cleanup. Everything cooks in one pan, making the post-meal mess minimal. After enjoying a delightful dinner, you won’t be staring down a mountain of dishes.
Everything You Need for Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation for a delicious meal. In this case, each component of the Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry plays an essential role in delivering flavor and texture. The key players include ground turkey, which serves as the lean protein, and vibrant broccoli, packed with nutrients and a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a well-rounded dish that’s as nourishing as it is tasty.
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the meat.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Enhances the overall taste with a gentle kick.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and meat, adding richness.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Provides a crispy texture and vibrant color.
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 cup water: To help create the sauce that brings everything together.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami flavor and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the turkey and vegetables.
- Hot cooked rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
Making Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Cooking the Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is as enjoyable as eating it! You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together. Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious dinner on your table.
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is important because you want the pan hot enough to sear the ground turkey. Once the pan is hot, add the ground turkey and use a spatula to break it apart. As it cooks, you’ll notice it turning from pink to a lovely golden brown.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper. Stir to combine everything. You want the spices to evenly coat the meat, infusing it with flavor as it continues to cook. Keep an eye on it; this should take about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s completely cooked through.
- Once the turkey is no longer pink, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the turkey to a plate; this will allow you to focus on the vegetables next.
- Return the pan to the heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it heat for about a minute before tossing in the broccoli florets and sliced onion. Stir to coat the vegetables in the oil and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender. You want them to retain their bright green color; it’s a sign they’re perfect!
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cornstarch. This will create a thick, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
- Once the vegetables are done, pour the sauce over them in the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens. You’ll see it bubble and become glossy, coating the veggies beautifully.
- Next, add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything. You want the meat to heat through and be coated in that delicious sauce.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, taste for seasoning. If you like it saltier, feel free to add more soy sauce. If you want a bit more sweetness, add a pinch more of brown sugar.
- Finally, serve the stir fry over hot cooked rice. Each bite should be a flavorful explosion!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking the Turkey: Make sure to break up the ground turkey thoroughly as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and prevents any large clumps, which can lead to uneven flavors.
- Vegetable Crispiness: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Keep the pan hot to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture in your veggies.
- Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch should be whisked with water before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping. This will give you a smooth, thick sauce.
- Tasting as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste the stir fry as you cook. It’s the best way to ensure the flavors are just right for your palate.
Recipe Tips about Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
While preparing your Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry, here are some tips to ensure your dish is top-notch!
- Storage: Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze any excess stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a light meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas to the stir fry according to your preference.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or some fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Side Dish Ideas for Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
When it comes to serving your Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry, you have plenty of options to make the meal complete and satisfying.
- Steamed Rice: This is a classic pairing. The fluffy texture of the rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: For a twist, serve your stir fry over fried rice instead. It adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Salads: A light salad with a sesame dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm stir fry.
- Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls make a delightful appetizer before the main dish, adding crunch and flavor.
- Vegetable Dumplings: Pairing with steamed dumplings can create a delightful Asian-inspired meal.
- Special Occasions: This dish is versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends or family.
- Meal Prep: If you’re meal prepping for the week, consider portioning out the stir fry with rice into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delicious it turns out. Enjoy every bite and make it a staple in your kitchen!
Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Turkey
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable or Olive Oil
- 4 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 1 small Yellow Onion
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Packed Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- Hot Cooked Rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and stir to break it apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally. Cook until no longer pink, covering the pan occasionally. Once it’s cooked through, drain the fat and remove the turkey to a plate.
- Replace the pan on the burner and add the oil. Add the broccoli and onion and cook, covered but stirring often, until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, stir together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger and cornstarch in a small bowl or measuring cup.
- Add the sauce to the cooked vegetables and cook until it boils and thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cooked ground turkey back to the pan and stir to warm through and coat with sauce.
- Serve with rice.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove for best results.
- Tip 2: You can freeze any excess stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a light meal.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas to the stir fry according to your preference.
- Tip 5: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or some fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
