Introduction
Teriyaki turkey is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the savory flavors of a homemade teriyaki sauce with ground turkey and a variety of colorful vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served over rice for a complete meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons warm water
For the Turkey and Vegetables:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup finely chopped broccoli
2 large carrots, peeled and grated
2 green onions, diced (for garnish)
4 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
Create Cornstarch Slurry
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of warm water to create a slurry.
Thicken the Sauce
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the sauce, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Turkey and Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and grated carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Serve the Dish
Serve the teriyaki turkey mixture over the cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with diced green onions.
Notes
Adjust Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more or less brown sugar and honey according to your taste preference.
Vegetable Variations
You can substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms depending on your preference.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with side salads or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce
Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves. Mix cornstarch with warm water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
Cooking Ground Turkey
Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, ensuring that it is fully cooked for safety and flavor.
Incorporating Vegetables
Stir in chopped broccoli and grated carrots once the turkey is cooked. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combining Elements
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors are well combined.
Serving
Serve the teriyaki turkey over cooked rice and garnish with diced green onions for added color and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce further?
If you desire a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch mixed with warm water, adjusting to your preferred consistency.
What vegetables can I use besides broccoli and carrots?
Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand.
Can I make teriyaki sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. You can store the cooked turkey and vegetables in airtight containers and reheat them when needed.
Conclusion
This teriyaki turkey with vegetables is a delicious and nutritious meal that brings together savory flavors and colorful vegetables. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a delightful sweetness and tang to the dish, complementing the tender ground turkey and tender-crisp veggies. Served over rice, it makes for a wholesome dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
Turkey Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps
Use the teriyaki turkey mixture as a filling for fresh lettuce wraps. Simply spoon the cooked filling into large lettuce leaves, add some shredded carrots and chopped nuts for crunch, and enjoy!
Teriyaki Turkey Stir-Fry
Make a quick stir-fry by adding bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms to the teriyaki turkey mixture. Serve it over noodles instead of rice for a different twist.
Teriyaki Turkey Bowls
Layer the cooked teriyaki turkey over quinoa or farro for a healthy grain bowl. Top with sliced avocado and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Teriyaki Turkey Skewers
Skewer the teriyaki turkey with diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Grill or bake them for a fun appetizer or light meal.
Teriyaki Turkey Fried Rice
Transform leftovers into a tasty fried rice dish. Sauté cooked rice with the teriyaki turkey and add peas, scrambled eggs, and some soy sauce for extra flavor.
