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If you’re looking for a vibrant, wholesome meal that comes together quickly yet packs a punch of flavor, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture tender ground turkey mingling with crisp, colorful veggies all coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce, served atop fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice. It’s a dish that balances nutritious ingredients with comforting textures and bold tastes, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something both satisfying and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe plays a key role in delivering balanced flavors, contrasting textures, and that irresistible color palette. From the umami-rich soy sauce to the zing of fresh ginger, each component brings the dish to life.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor without too much saltiness.
- ¼ cup water: Helps mellow the sauce and ensures it’s the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy and spicy notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the stir fry with a nutty aroma and richness.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a warm, zesty bite.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Adds a kick of spice — adjust to suit your heat preference.
- 3 teaspoons neutral cooking oil (canola, avocado, or olive oil), divided: For cooking without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Tender and lean protein that soaks up all the tasty sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory character with a mild garlic punch.
- 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced: Adds a mild crunch and fresh green color.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweet and juicy, adding bright contrast to the dish.
- 3 stalks green onion, white and light green parts sliced (reserve dark green tops for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild onion bite.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch whisked with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry): For thickening the sauce to a luscious coating.
- Jasmine rice: Fluffy and aromatic, serves as the perfect base to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- Sliced green onions: For garnish and a pop of color on the finished dish.
- Extra hot sauce (optional): For those who like an extra layer of heat.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and sriracha in a bowl or measuring cup. Whisk everything together until smooth and let it sit for a bit – this helps the flavors mingle beautifully while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the ground turkey
Heat 2 teaspoons of your neutral oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground turkey and sprinkle garlic powder over the meat. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula and sauté until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate to keep it warm while you cook the vegetables.
Step 3: Stir fry the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of oil and toss in the zucchini slices, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Stir-fry these colorful vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp texture that still offers a pleasant bite.
Step 4: Combine turkey, veggies, and sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour your prepared sauce over the stir fry and stir everything together to evenly coat each morsel. Slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously—this will thicken the sauce to a glossy finish that clings perfectly to all the ingredients.
Step 5: Serve with jasmine rice
Scoop generous portions of the stir fry over warm, fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with the reserved dark green onion tops for a fresh burst of color and mild flavor. If you love a little extra heat, drizzle on some more sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions not only adds a fresh crunch but also brightens the dish visually. Toasted sesame seeds or a few cilantro leaves can also be delightful additions for extra texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple miso soup can round out your meal beautifully, balancing warmth and coolness for a satisfying dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups or alongside steamed dumplings. You can also spoon the turkey and veggies into warmed pita pockets or tortillas for a quick and tasty fusion-style wrap that’s perfect for lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ground turkey stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes well. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, covering the dish loosely to keep moisture in and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can revive the sauce’s consistency perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and offers a similar mild flavor, making it an easy substitute in this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe.
What vegetables can I add or swap in this recipe?
Feel free to mix and match with what you have. Broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are all great options that keep the stir fry colorful and packed with nutrients.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The dish has a gentle spice from the sriracha, which you can increase or reduce depending on your preference. You can also omit it for a milder meal or add chili flakes for more heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising the delicious, savory flavor.
What’s the best way to cook jasmine rice for this dish?
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then cook it with a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio. Let it steam off the heat for 10 minutes after cooking for extra fluffy, fragrant rice.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe is one of those wonderful meals that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your pantry, and delivers on taste, nutrition, and satisfaction. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become a staple in your kitchen rotation, ready to brighten up even the busiest of days.
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Print
Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables and Jasmine Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Stir Fry featuring tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, served over warm jasmine rice. This easy skillet meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Main Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons neutral cooking oil (canola, avocado, or olive oil), divided
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks green onion, white and light green parts sliced (reserve dark green tops for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch whisked with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- Jasmine rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Extra hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sriracha until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the turkey: Heat 2 teaspoons of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, sprinkle with garlic powder, and sauté, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey to a clean plate and set aside.
- Stir fry the vegetables: Return the skillet to the stove, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil, then add sliced zucchini, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch and water to prepare the slurry.
- Combine and thicken: Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked turkey back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat evenly. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey and vegetables evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the ground turkey stir fry over warm jasmine rice, garnish with the reserved green onion tops, and add extra hot sauce if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice tolerance.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
- Cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce evenly; do not skip it.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
