Ground Turkey Stir-Fry: Healthy, Quick, and Flavorful Meal

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is the perfect weeknight meal when you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and flavorful. With the rich taste of ground turkey combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings, this stir-fry packs a punch without being heavy on the calories. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein dinner or a meal that can be easily customized to your preferences, this dish delivers everything you need.

This recipe is simple, fast, and versatile, making it ideal for busy days. You can add your favorite veggies, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, or even make it spicy for an extra kick. You can also serve it with rice, noodles, or as-is for a lighter meal.

For more stir-fry inspiration, check out these Stir-Fry Recipes and Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes.


Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

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Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry: Healthy, Quick, and Flavorful Meal


  • Author: Jennifer Mitchell
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy dish packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables. The savory garlic and grated ginger give it a flavorful boost, while the turkey provides a lean source of protein. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry is versatile and can be paired with rice or noodles for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  2. Cook the Aromatics:
    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

  3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
    Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Add the Vegetables:
    Add the diced onion, carrots, green beans, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

  5. Adjust Seasoning:
    Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if desired.

  6. Serve:
    Serve the stir-fry hot on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap out the vegetables for any others you prefer, such as broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas.
  • For added flavor, drizzle with a little soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili sauce before serving.
  • If you want extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Healthy, Stir-Fry
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the stir-fry
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    Begin by chopping the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, trim and chop the green beans, and dice the bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set everything aside.
  2. Cook the Turkey
    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
    In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced onion, carrots, green beans, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain a bit of crunch.
  4. Combine Turkey and Veggies
    Once the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked ground turkey to the pan. Stir everything together, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Adjust Seasoning
    Taste the stir-fry and add more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a more savory flavor, you can also add a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce at this stage.
  6. Serve
    Serve the stir-fry as-is or over a bed of rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.

Advanced Techniques

Adding More Flavor

For a deeper, more savory flavor, add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) to the stir-fry during the cooking process. This will bring in some umami and balance out the sweetness from the carrots and bell pepper.

Spicy Version

If you like some heat, you can add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh chili to the stir-fry. It will enhance the flavor and add a kick to the dish.

Substitute for Ground Turkey

While this recipe uses ground turkey for a lean protein source, you can substitute it with ground chicken, ground beef, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegan or vegetarian option.

Customize with Additional Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas would all make great additions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry


Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Turkey Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the vegetables from drying out.

Freezing for Later

This stir-fry can be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Reheating Tips

To prevent the stir-fry from becoming dry when reheating, add a small amount of water or broth and stir occasionally. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat from frozen over low heat with a lid on to trap moisture.

Ground Turkey Stir-Fry


Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Carb Option

If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the rice or noodles and enjoy the stir-fry on its own. You could also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, grain-free option.

Gluten-Free

This Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is naturally gluten-free, as long as you avoid soy sauce that contains gluten. Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce if desired.

Dairy-Free

This dish is dairy-free by default. However, if you want to add a creamy element, try drizzling a bit of coconut milk over the stir-fry after it’s cooked or top it with a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream.

Vegan/Vegetarian Option

For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with plant-based protein options such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or lentils. You can season them similarly to the turkey for a comparable flavor profile.


FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry. While fresh vegetables tend to retain more texture, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saving option. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stir-fry in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is a great option for meal prepping or for busy nights when you need a quick meal.

What other sauces can I add to the stir-fry?

In addition to soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, you can also add hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a drizzle of sesame oil for more flavor. A splash of rice vinegar can also add a bit of tang to balance the sweetness of the vegetables.

Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or ground beef. Both options will work well and provide a different flavor. Ground chicken is still lean but slightly richer, while ground beef will give the stir-fry a heartier, more savory flavor.


Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. By combining lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings, you create a dish that’s packed with protein and nutrients without being overly heavy.

Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasoning to your taste, and experiment with different sauces or spices to make it your own. Whether you enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with noodles, this stir-fry will satisfy your hunger while keeping things light and healthy.

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