Healthy Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Veggies and Savory Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This healthy ground turkey stir fry is a quick and flavorful dinner packed with colorful vegetables, lean protein, and a savory stir-fry sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a satisfying, nutritious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93/7 or 99%)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and crumbly, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and carrots. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and toss everything to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat, then add the green onion tops. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Swap bell peppers and carrots for zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to vary the vegetables.
- Add chili paste or extra red pepper flakes to make the stir fry spicier.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced, healthy meal.
- For meal prep, double the recipe and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will work well with the flavors and cooking method in this recipe.
How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.
Print
Healthy Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Veggies and Savory Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This healthy ground turkey stir fry is a quick and flavorful dinner packed with lean protein and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory stir-fry sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish offers a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93/7 or 99%)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch mixed with water to make a slurry. Set this mixture aside to be used later in the stir fry.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it turns brown and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until these aromatics become fragrant and start to soften.
- Add Veggies: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and the sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining some crunch for texture.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the cooked turkey and vegetables. Toss everything to coat well, then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the ingredients.
- Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and stir in the green onion tops. Garnish the stir fry with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately while hot, optionally over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach based on preference or availability.
- To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of chili paste.
- Serve this stir fry over your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to create a complete and balanced meal.
- For meal prepping, double the recipe quantity and store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keywords: ground turkey stir fry, healthy stir fry, quick dinner, lean protein, weeknight meal, meal prep recipe
