This Sweet Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a tasty mix of lean turkey and colorful veggies, all tossed together in a yummy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Cooking this dish feels like a mini party in my kitchen! I love the zingy kick from the spices, and it pairs great with rice or noodles. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This main ingredient is lean and cooks quickly. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can swap it with ground chicken or even lean beef. Some people enjoy using ground tofu for a plant-based option!
Bell Pepper: I usually go for red bell peppers for their sweetness, but green works just as well. You can also use other colorful peppers like yellow or orange. If they aren’t available, zucchini or snap peas are great substitutions.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a nice salty flavor. If you want a lower-sodium option, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Gluten-free soy sauce is also available if you need it to be gluten-free!
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners give a nice touch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup or agave nectar would work. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste because they vary in sweetness!
Sriracha: This sauce adds heat! If you want it less spicy, reduce the amount or use a milder chili sauce. You can also try chili flakes or fresh chopped chilis for different heat levels.
How Can You Get the Ground Turkey Cooked Just Right?
Cooking ground turkey just right is key to your stir fry being flavorful and not dry. Follow these simple tips:
- Heat your skillet well before adding the turkey, so it browns nicely.
- Use a spatula to break the turkey apart as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink in the center, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- If you’re worried about it drying out, add a splash of water as it cooks to keep it moist.
With these tips, your ground turkey will be juicy and tasty, perfect for mixing with those vibrant veggies and sauce!
How to Make Sweet Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened and a bit tender.
2. Aromatics Come Next:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and ginger into the skillet. You’ll want to cook those for about 30 seconds, just until they start to smell really good. Don’t let them burn!
3. Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and fully cooked. It’s okay to let it sit a minute or two for better browning.
4. Make the Sauce:
While the turkey is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together!
5. Combine Everything:
Once the turkey is done, pour your sauce mixture over the cooked turkey and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes everything nice and hot.
6. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Now, serve your delicious stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even tofu can be used in place of ground turkey. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly, especially with beef and tofu, which might need more time to brown properly. Ensure your protein is fully cooked before adding the sauce.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
To increase the heat, you can add more sriracha or include some red pepper flakes while cooking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with sweet chili sauce, which offers a mild sweetness without much heat. Always taste and adjust according to your preference!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, this stir fry can be prepared in advance! You can cook the turkey and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over medium heat before serving. If you’re making it for meal prep, keep the rice or noodles separate to avoid getting soggy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stir Fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.
