Introduction
This delicious ground turkey stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal option that packs a punch of flavor. With fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s not only easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite veggies or toppings. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-sized chunks
½ tablespoon grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 tablespoons chopped cashews (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy making and eating this ground turkey stir-fry that is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, breaking the meat into small chunks. Drain excess fat if necessary, and remove the turkey from the pan.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the sesame or olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the broccoli florets and bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked turkey to the pan. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk or shake well until the mixture is fully combined and no lumps of cornstarch remain.
Step 5: Add Sauce to Stir-Fry
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and chopped cashews, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites, such as snap peas, carrots, or other seasonal vegetables.
Adjusting Spice Level
To increase the spice level, you can add more red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha sauce.
Allergy Considerations
Be mindful if you have allergies to soy or nuts; use alternatives as necessary (e.g., coconut aminos instead of soy sauce).
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick cooking method that involves cooking food rapidly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, ground turkey is sautéed until fully cooked, resulting in a flavorful base for the stir-fry.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a technique that originated in China and involves cooking ingredients quickly at high heat in a wok or large skillet. The use of minimal oil and constant stirring ensures that the vegetables remain crisp and retain their nutrients, as seen with the broccoli and bell peppers.
Making a Sauce
Creating a sauce is essential for adding flavor to a dish. In this recipe, a mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch is whisked together to create a thickening sauce that coats the meat and vegetables, enhancing their taste.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the final touch to elevate a dish’s presentation and flavor. This recipe utilizes sliced green onions and optional chopped cashews for added texture and visual appeal, making the stir-fry more appetizing.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for the ground turkey. The cooking times will be similar, and the flavors will be equally delicious.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes for soy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to customize your stir-fry.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. If you’re looking for a different thickening agent, you can use arrowroot powder or flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Conclusion
This ground turkey stir-fry with vibrant vegetables provides a nutritious and flavorful meal that is quick to prepare. The combination of ginger, garlic, and a sweet-savory sauce elevates the dish, making it a satisfying option for any day of the week. Enjoy the burst of colors and flavors while also benefiting from the wholesome ingredients.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Turkey and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps
Swap the rice for crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative. Use the same turkey mixture and serve it in the lettuce with additional vegetables and sauce.
Quinoa Stir-Fry
Instead of serving with rice, combine the stir-fry with cooked quinoa for added protein and a nutty flavor. This makes for a hearty and filling dish.
Spicy Turkey Tacos
Transform the stir-fry into a filling for soft or hard taco shells. Add toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese for a fun twist on taco night.
Coconut Curry Turkey
Add coconut milk and curry powder to the turkey and vegetable blend for a creamy curry variation. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Use the stir-fry ingredients to elevate a simple fried rice. Stir in cooked rice and fry together with the vegetables and turkey for a complete one-pan meal.
