Name: Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup small dice bell pepper (about 1 bell pepper); 2 cups thinly shredded green cabbage; 1 cup carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 large carrot); 4 cups cool cooked rice (Jasmine or medium-grain white rice preferred); Chopped green onion (to taste); Sliced chili pepper (to taste); Chili oil (to taste); Fried egg (one per serving)

If you’re craving a takeout-style dish that’s quick, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy, then this Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this comes together with lean ground turkey, crisp veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice that’s packed with umami goodness. Stick with me here—I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned so you can nail it on your first try and wow everyone at the dinner table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lean and Flavorful: Ground turkey keeps this dish lighter but doesn’t skimp on taste.
Super Quick to Make: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Colorful Veggie Boost: Adds texture and nutrition without overpowering the fried rice.
Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust spice with sriracha, chili oil, or fresh sliced peppers.

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface. The first bowl has a base layer of fried rice mixed with green onions, carrots, and red chili slices, topped with a sunny-side-up egg with bright yellow yolk and drops of chili oil. The second bowl also holds the fried rice with the same vegetable mix, garnished with green onions and red chili slices without the egg. Around the bowls are whole red chili peppers, garlic cloves, a bunch of green onions, and two small clear glass containers—one with a dark soy-like sauce and the other with chili sauce and a spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe is in how the ingredients complement each other—savory, tangy, and just a touch spicy. I recommend using fresh ginger and garlic for that aromatic punch, and definitely cool your rice before stir-frying so it doesn’t turn mushy. Here’s what you’ll be grabbing from the store.

Soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth—low sodium works well if you watch salt intake.
Sriracha: Gives a nice kick of heat and a little garlicky sweetness.
Sesame oil: A tiny drizzle brings that irresistible nutty aroma.
Fish sauce: A secret umami weapon that amps up the savory notes without tasting fishy.
Vegetable oil: For high-heat cooking, so nothing burns and everything crisps nicely.
Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up flavors while keeping things healthy.
Fresh ginger: Adds bright, zesty warmth.
Garlic: Classic aromatic base that you can’t skip.
Bell pepper: Sweet, colorful crunch to brighten every bite.
Green cabbage: Thinly shredded for light texture and subtle sweetness.
Carrot: Shredded for quick cooking and natural sweetness.
Cooked rice: Preferably jasmine or medium grain and definitely chilled to keep it fluffy.
Green onion, sliced chili pepper, chili oil: Optional garnishes that bring freshness and extra heat if you like.
Fried egg: My favorite finishing touch—adds richness and indulgence.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe, and you’ll find that it adapts wonderfully depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to swap veggies or add different sauces to suit your taste buds.

Vegetable Swap: I’ve swapped bell pepper for snap peas or broccoli florets and it’s always a hit—adds great crunch and freshness.
Heat Level: Double up the sriracha or toss in more sliced chili if you’re a spice lover like me.
Protein Alternatives: Tried this with ground chicken or even tofu; still tasty, but the turkey’s flavor and texture win every time for me.
Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter meal that stays just as tasty.

How to Make Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Flavor Boosters

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, and fish sauce. This blend is the soul of the dish and gives your fried rice that irresistible savory and slightly spicy flavor. I usually mix this first so it’s ready to go when the veggies and turkey are cooked.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up into small crumbles with your spatula. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s no longer pink and starts to get a little golden. This step is key—don’t rush it, and keep stirring so it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Veggies

Turn up the heat to medium-high and toss in the minced ginger, garlic, diced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrot. Stir often and cook for about 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. You want this balance because mushy veggies can weigh down the dish.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice and Sauce

Before adding your rice, make sure to break up any clumps with your hands or a spoon. Spread it evenly over the turkey and veggies, pour the sauce mixture over the top, then stir and toss everything together. Cook for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Serve It Up with Garnishes

Transfer your fried rice to a serving dish and don’t skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions, sliced chili peppers, a drizzle of chili oil, and a fried egg personally take this from everyday to next level in my book.

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe

Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice from a day or two old fries better and stays fluffy—freshly cooked rice can get mushy.
High Heat Stir-Fry: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that sear and slight crisp on your rice and turkey without steaming.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your wok or skillet is small, cook in batches to get better texture and avoid sogginess.
Garnish for Big Flavor: A simple fried egg on top transforms this dish from a humble meal to a crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered dish consisting of a base of mixed brown rice and minced meat with thinly sliced orange carrots and light green vegetables scattered throughout. On top, there is a fried egg with a soft, runny yolk spreading over the rice, sprinkled with small pieces of red chili and green spring onion slices. A woman's hand is holding black chopsticks picking up a mix of the rice, vegetables, and meat. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of dark red sauce containing sesame seeds nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes are chopped green onions for a fresh bite, thinly sliced fresh chili peppers for heat, and a generous drizzle of chili oil to add aroma and spice. And of course, topping each serving with a sunny side up fried egg adds a rich, creamy texture that makes this dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this fried rice with something light and crisp—think steamed or sautéed green beans, a cucumber salad with a tangy dressing, or even some quick miso soup to keep things balanced. If you want to keep it super simple, just a handful of pickled vegetables really brightens the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe scooped into crispy wonton cups at a dinner party and everyone loved it—it’s a fun way to make fried rice hand-held and shareable! Another time, I packed it into a bento box with colorful sides for meal prep, which made lunchtime feel extra special during a busy workweek.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container and tuck it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, I avoid adding the fried egg beforehand—just cook it fresh when reheating. I find the flavors stay vibrant and the texture stays nice after a day or two.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which is great for meal prep. I divide the fried rice into portioned freezer bags, squeeze out the air, then freeze. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results or reheat directly in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a wok or skillet with a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to revive the moisture. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until heated through. This helps restore the stir-fried texture and prevents the rice from drying out in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and offers a similar lean protein profile. Just keep an eye on cooking time as chicken can sometimes cook a little faster, and be sure to get it fully cooked through for safety.
What type of rice works best for Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe?

Day-old jasmine or medium-grain white rice is ideal because it’s less sticky and fries up fluffy instead of mushy. If you only have freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely and ideally refrigerate to dry it out a bit before using.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha and optional chili oil, but you can easily adjust it up or down based on your preference. Leave out the sriracha for mild or add extra chili peppers if you want a fiery kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh and omit the fish sauce. Use soy sauce or tamari to boost the umami, and add extra veggies and seasoning to keep it flavorful.
Is fish sauce necessary in this Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe?

Fish sauce adds a subtle depth of umami without tasting fishy; it really enhances the overall savory profile. However, if you don’t have it or prefer to skip it, you can substitute with a bit more soy sauce or tamari.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Fried Rice Recipe has become a staple in my weeknight lineup because it’s fast, delicious, and easy to customize. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients came together to create something so satisfying and even better than takeout. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it again and again, and trust me, your family will go crazy for it too!