Introduction
When it comes to healthy meals that are quick to prepare, stir-fries are a top choice. This ground turkey stir-fry combines lean protein with vibrant vegetables, making it not only nutritious but also delicious. The flavors are enhanced with a savory sauce that adds depth without being overly heavy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to satisfy.
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
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, cook the ground turkey for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, breaking it into small chunks. Drain excess fat if necessary and remove the turkey from the pan.
2. 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.
3. Return the cooked turkey to the pan. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium.
4. 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.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and chopped cashews, if desired.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook Ground Turkey
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, cook the ground turkey for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, breaking it into small chunks. Drain excess fat if necessary and remove the turkey from the pan.
Step 2: Stir-Fry 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 Turkey and Aromatics
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 for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Garnish the Dish
Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and chopped cashews, if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Tip for Cooking Turkey
Ensure that the ground turkey is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference.
Heat Level
Adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Omit altogether for a milder dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking food in a small amount of oil over high heat while stirring constantly. This method is ideal for maintaining the texture and color of vegetables, providing a crisp-tender finish.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot skillet to loosen and dissolve the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom. This enhances flavor and creates a rich base for sauces.
Thickening Sauces
To thicken sauces, a mixture of cornstarch and water (often referred to as a slurry) is used. When added to a hot mixture, the cornstarch activates and thickens the sauce, giving it a desirable consistency.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the practice of adding decorative elements to a dish before serving. Sliced green onions or chopped nuts can enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of a dish.
Ground Meat Cooking
Cooking ground meat requires breaking it into small pieces while sautéing. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a desirable texture for dishes like stir-fry.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini according to your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit them entirely.
Conclusion
This ground turkey and vegetable stir-fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant tastes of fresh vegetables combined with lean protein. The savory sauce enhances the overall flavor, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Enjoy this dish as is, or feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try using chicken or shrimp in place of ground turkey for a different protein option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Substitute the broccoli with green beans or snap peas for a fresh twist.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or snap peas to enhance the dish’s nutrition and color.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki or hoisin, to create a unique flavor profile.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Top with sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
