I absolutely love this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe because it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how tender the broccoli stayed while soaking up that delicious savory-sweet sauce—you’ll find it’s a total crowd-pleaser in my house. It’s a fresh, healthy way to get a protein and veggie-packed meal on the table in about 30 minutes, which I adore on busy nights.
One of the things that makes this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe stand out is how easy it is to customize and how little fuss it requires in the kitchen. Plus, it gives you that satisfying comfort food vibe without the heaviness. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just prepping dinner for yourself, you’ll appreciate how this recipe balances wholesome ingredients with approachable flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables for a nutritious meal.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade stir fry sauce balances savory, sweet, and a touch of ginger spice beautifully.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe are simple and combine to create a sauce that’s both savory and a little sweet, perfectly complementing the lean turkey and crisp broccoli. Using fresh broccoli florets and a bit of ground ginger really brings the dish to life.
- Lean ground turkey: I prefer lean turkey to keep the dish light but still hearty—ground turkey absorbs the sauce nicely.
- Garlic powder: Adds quick garlic flavor without chopping fresh garlic, saving time.
- Ground pepper: For a gentle kick that deepens the flavor.
- Salt: Just enough to balance flavors without overpowering.
- Vegetable or olive oil: Needed to cook the veggies tender-crisp, choose whichever you like best.
- Fresh broccoli florets: The star vegetable, fresh is best for texture and flavor.
- Small yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the broccoli.
- Water: Used to thin out the sauce and help dissolve the cornstarch for thickening.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The base of the sauce with that iconic umami flavor, low sodium controls saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Brings sweetness to balance soy sauce saltiness and ginger spice.
- Ground ginger: The zing that brightens the sauce and adds warmth.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Hot cooked rice: Essential for serving and soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Variations
I love how flexible this Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it by swapping in different veggies or adding a few extras to suit what I have on hand or to switch up the flavor profile a bit. Feel free to make it your own!
- Protein swap: I’ve used ground chicken or even ground beef with great results, just adjust cooking times slightly.
- Veggie additions: Snow peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots make fun, colorful additions that keep the dish interesting.
- Spice it up: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha gave it a nice kick the last time I made it.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey with Seasoning
Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat before adding the ground turkey. As you stir, sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat. Breaking the turkey apart with your spatula is key to getting those nice little crumbles that make every bite flavorful. Cook until it’s no longer pink—usually about 5-7 minutes—and be sure to cover the pan occasionally to promote even cooking. Once done, drain the excess fat and transfer the turkey to a plate; this little step keeps the stir fry from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Broccoli and Onion Until Crisp-Tender
Next, add your oil to the hot skillet and toss in the fresh broccoli florets and sliced onions. Cover the pan to help steam the vegetables, stirring often to avoid sticking or burning. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be crisp-tender — bright green with a little bite — which really brings the dish’s texture to life.
Step 3: Whisk and Thicken the Stir Fry Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, combine the water, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir it until the cornstarch dissolves completely to avoid lumps. Pour this sauce mixture into your skillet with the broccoli and onion once they’re almost done. Keep cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce boils and thickens—this usually takes just 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice it turn that glossy, irresistible glaze.
Step 4: Combine and Serve Over Rice
Finally, toss the browned ground turkey back into the skillet with the sauce-coated veggies. Stir everything well to heat the turkey through and make sure every bite is coated with that luscious sauce. I like serving this over big fluffy scoops of hot cooked rice to catch all the extra sauce. It makes the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the turkey and veggies in one pan is great, but too much at once leads to steaming instead of browning—make sure not to overload your skillet.
- Prep Sauce Early: Mixing your sauce ingredients ahead helps you pour it in quickly, so you don’t overcook the vegetables.
- Control Broccoli Texture: Keep the broccoli crisp-tender for the best contrast in every bite—don’t overcook to mush.
- Avoid Soggy Stir Fry: Draining the turkey fat keeps the dish from becoming greasy and keeps the sauce shiny and appealing.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top because they add a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch that pairs so well with the sauce. Sometimes, I chop up a handful of fresh green onions for a bright, sharp finish. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors beautifully—don’t skip this if you want to surprise your taste buds!
Side Dishes
This stir fry is pretty versatile as a one-pan meal, but sometimes I like to serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or even brown rice for extra fiber. For a light contrast, a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds a refreshing crunch. If you want to make it a bigger meal, some steamed dumplings or spring rolls on the side never disappoint.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea I tried was serving the stir fry over cauliflower rice in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist at a casual dinner party. I also enjoy packing leftovers into a bento box with a side of pickled veggies for an easy lunch. For holidays or special meals, plating the stir fry in a pretty bowl with garnishes like thinly sliced chili or fresh herbs makes it feel extra special without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last well for 3-4 days. This Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe reheats beautifully, and I find the flavors even develop a bit more overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the fully cooked stir fry in meal-sized portions. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep the broccoli from getting soggy.
Reheating
Reheating on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth helps maintain moisture and keeps the sauce nice and glossy. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the veggies.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work well with the sauce and broccoli. Just keep an eye on cooking time since ground chicken can cook a bit faster or sometimes be a little more delicate than turkey.
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How do I keep the broccoli crisp in this stir fry?
To keep broccoli crisp-tender, sauté it covered for just about 4-5 minutes and stir often. Avoid overcooking or adding too much water, as that can make it mushy. The goal is bright green and just tender enough to bite.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce. Make sure your other ingredients like cornstarch are gluten-free as well. This keeps the same great flavor with a gluten-free twist.
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What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep the veggies from drying out. This method preserves texture better than microwaving.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s just so reliable, delicious, and flexible. I love how it fits into busy schedules yet still delivers homemade comfort. If you’re looking for an easy way to get dinner on the table that’s both hearty and healthy, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favorite in your rotation, too.
Print
Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry with broccoli is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey is cooked with fresh broccoli, onions, and a homemade savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and cornstarch for a deliciously saucy finish. Served over hot cooked rice, this stir fry combines protein and vegetables in a single, easy skillet meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or ground beef)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Vegetables & Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
Sauce
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
To Serve
- Hot cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and stir to break it apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and continue stirring occasionally while covering the pan to ensure even cooking until the turkey is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked turkey to a plate.
- Sauté broccoli and onion: Return the pan to the burner and add the vegetable or olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced onion. Cook covered but stir often for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Prepare the sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the water, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl or measuring cup until smooth.
- Combine and thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish the stir fry: Add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet. Stir well to warm through and thoroughly coat the meat and vegetables with the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the turkey stir fry over hot cooked rice and serve immediately for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy 30-minute meal packed with protein and vegetables.
- You can substitute ground beef for the turkey if preferred, though turkey keeps it lean and healthy.
- Adjust the soy sauce and brown sugar amounts to taste if you prefer a less salty or sweeter sauce.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture; frozen can be used but may require additional cooking time.
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice, or for a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1302 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
