Ground Turkey Stir Fry

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This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is packed with good-for-you ingredients including lean ground turkey, an array of veggies, and a quick stir-fry sauce. This high-protein, low-carb recipe is so tasty and even better with the (optional) creamy Sriracha-mayo sauce!

We love using ground turkey as a ground beef replacement; some of our favorite ground turkey recipes to try next: Turkey ChiliTurkey Sloppy Joes, or this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.

Overhead image of Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

This recipe is “volume eating” at its finest! If you’ve never heard of volume eating, it’s all about consuming large volumes of food without consuming a large number of calories at the same time. This is based on the energy density of food; this means that for the same weight, the number of calories can vary greatly from food to food. For example, you could eat 3 whole cucumbers, 2 entire heads of lettuce, or 3 whole carrots for roughly the same amount of calories you’d get from 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

So this ultra-filling Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a great recipe for those watching their overall calories or macronutrients while still wanting to feel more satiety after meals.

And if you could care less about the macronutrients of this recipe (or volume eating in general), this stir fry is also ridiculously tasty! It is packed with good-for-you ingredients and so simple to prepare — especially with a couple of store-bought shortcuts (see below)! 

Shortcut: Coleslaw mix

Want to do as little chopping as possible? Use packaged matchstick carrots and packaged coleslaw mix! With these two short-cuts, this Ground Turkey Stir Fry prep is a cinch! If you opt for using a bag of coleslaw, get one that is 12-16 ounces. Already minced garlic is another great time saver!

Process shots--ground turkey being cooked; the cabbage and carrots being added on top and sautéed

How To Make Ground Turkey Stir Fry

  1. Prep the veggies first. Thinly slice the cabbage, grate the zucchini, slice the green onions, grate the ginger, and mince the garlic. Once all the veggies are prepped this dish takes just minutes to prepare! And if you’re using pre-shredded cabbage, it goes even faster.
  2. Cook meat. Start by browning and crumbling the ground turkey with aromatics and some salt and pepper.
  3. Whisk together the sauce. The ground turkey cooks through in about 5-7 minutes and while it is cooking, you can prepare the easy stir fry sauce by quickly stirring together the four ingredients.
  4. Cook veggies. Add the cabbage and carrots to the ground turkey. Once those cook down a bit, add the zucchini, green onions, and sauce. Cook, then garnish and enjoy!

Process shots--ground turkey stir fry being cooked; the sauce being added in

  • Soy sauce: We like using regular soy sauce (not lite/low-sodium) in this sauce. Lite soy sauce doesn’t offer enough seasoning (saltiness).
  • Sesame oil: For a great authentic flavor, sesame oil really delivers. If you can find toasted sesame oil, that’s even better! This oil is typically found with Asian ingredients, not near the other oils in the grocery store.
  • Brown sugar: Here’s another balancing ingredient. Light or dark brown sugar will work; honey will also do the trick if you’re avoiding refined sugars. Honey and brown sugar don’t sweeten the same, so you’ll want to use slightly less honey if substituting it for the brown sugar. If you’re focusing on keto cooking, use one of the keto brown sugar substitutes.
  • Sriracha® sauce: Use this to add heat and flavor. You can, of course, reduce (or even omit it entirely) if you’re not a fan of heat. Alternatively, add more or drizzle extra on your bowl if you love the heat! Note that if you do reduce or leave out the Sriracha sauce, the flavors will be slightly lacking.

QUICK TIP

While the sauce reduces and coats the veggies quite nicely, if you want a more velvety/thick sauce, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch with the soy sauce first before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients.

Process shots-- images of the sauce being prepped and added to the dish

Ground Turkey Stir Fry Quick tips

  • Make sure to use a really large skillet or wok. There is a lot of volume in this recipe, so you’ll have a hard time mixing everything together if you’re working in a small skillet. I recommend a 12-inch or larger pan.
  • Prep ahead. The cooking goes really quickly, so you’ll want to have all the veggies prepared before starting to cook.
  • Use good ground turkey. We recommend ground turkey that is sold in a carton, rather than in a chub. Chub-style ground turkey is the kind that comes in the plastic tube and it tends to be less flavorful. I recommend 93/7 ground turkey (we love JennieO® or Butterball® ground turkey). We’ve found 99/1 ground turkey too dry and flavorless.

Serving suggestions

  • In a lettuce wrap: This filling is delicious rolled up in a few butter lettuce leaves.
  • With Sriracha mayo: To add in a creamy element, I recommend a scoop of Sriracha mayo (more on this below).

Sriracha-Mayo Topping 

This Sriracha-Mayo sauce is completely optional, but it broadens the dimension of flavor and adds a nice hit of spice and delicious creaminess to this Ground Turkey Stir Fry. Bonus — it’s only three ingredients — the juice of 1-2 limes, Sriracha® sauce, and mayo.

  • We love Hellman’s/Best Foods® mayo best in the Sriracha Sauce (not sponsored). 
  • We recommend adding the Sriracha gradually, to personal taste and spice preference. If you’re not familiar with Sriracha, it’s potent! If the sauce ends up too hot, add more lime juice to offset it. Not hot enough? Add more Sriracha, slowly. If the sauce ends up too hot, you could also add a pinch or two of sugar. 
  • For a stronger citrus flavor, add the zest of a lime as well to the sauce.
  • For an overall sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon or two of white granulated sugar.

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Is this ground turkey stir fry keto friendly?

Yes it is! It’s also low carb and low calorie. Make sure to check out the nutrition label below the recipe for more information.

Dietary concerns

  • Ground Turkey Stir Fry Whole30: If you’re on Whole30, use canola oil instead of vegetable oil. Make sure the Sriracha sauce you use is compliant. If making the Sriracha mayo, be sure the mayo is also compliant. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and omit the brown sugar in the sauce. Use your best judgment for leaving in the sesame oil. (Some say it’s okay while others say to limit it.) You will also want to confirm the ground turkey you use is compliant (make sure no sugar has been added) or substitute different ground meat. Don’t serve this dish over white rice; use cauliflower rice instead! More recommendations on the Whole30 diet here
  • Making it keto friendly: Make sure the Sriracha is compliant, or use Frank’s Red Hot® sauce instead. Use Lite Tamari or Bragg’s Aminos® instead of soy sauce, and leave out the brown sugar in the sauce. 

Quick note: I’m not an expert at Whole30 or Keto diet, so please, use your best judgment or do some research regarding this recipe and your dietary restrictions.

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Ground Turkey Stir Fry

5 from 21 votes
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is packed with good-for-you ingredients including lean ground turkey, an array of veggies, and a quick stir-fry sauce. This high-protein, low-carb recipe is so tasty and even better with the (optional) creamy Sriracha-mayo sauce!
Print Recipe

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

5 from 21 votes
This Ground Turkey Stir Fry is packed with good-for-you ingredients including lean ground turkey, an array of veggies, and a quick stir-fry sauce. This high-protein, low-carb recipe is so tasty and even better with the (optional) creamy Sriracha-mayo sauce!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Healthy
Keyword Ground Turkey Recipes, Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 552kcal
Cost $9.12

Ingredients

  • 6 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (~1/2 large head) or shredded cole slaw mix
  • 3/4 cup shredded zucchini, (~1 small zucchini)
  • 1 bunch of green onions, separated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound (16 oz.) lean ground turkey (93/7%)
  • 4 tablespoons regular (not lite) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 cup shredded/matchstick carrots
  • Fine sea salt & pepper, to taste

Sriracha Mayo (Optional)

  • 1/3 cup good quality mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  • PREP THE VEGGIES: Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and then thinly slice to get 6 cups. Alternatively, use a package of cole slaw mix and save the slicing! Using a box grater, grate the zucchini on the large holes to get 3/4 cup. Thinly slice 3-4 green onions to get a heaping 1/2 cup (37g). Peel the ginger and then finely shred using the small side of your grater or a microplane grater. Mince the garlic.
  • COOK GROUND TURKEY: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil, ground turkey, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of fine sea salt and pepper. (I add 1/4 teaspoon of each.) Cook until the ground turkey is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes breaking it up as you cook. If there is an excessive amount of liquid, drain that off here.
  • SAUCE: While the ground turkey is cooking, prepare the sauce by stirring together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  • COOK VEGGIES: Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet with the ground turkey and continue to stir and cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 2-4 minutes. Add in the zucchini, green onions, and the sauce. Stir for another 1-2 minutes and then remove from heat. Garnish dish with additional sliced green onions as desired. Taste and add a pinch more of salt if needed.
  • SRIRACHA MAYO (OPTIONAL): If desired, serve with sriracha mayo. To make sriracha mayo: whisk together the mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and a tiny pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. See Note 1.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Sriracha mayo sauce: Play around with the Sriracha mayo to make it exactly how you'd like. Add the sriracha gradually, to personal taste and spice preference. If the sauce ends up too hot, add more lime juice to offset it. Not hot enough? Add more Sriracha, slowly. If the sauce ends up too hot, you could also add a pinch or two of sugar. For a stronger citrus flavor, add the zest of a lime. For an overall sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon or two of white granulated sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 552kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 1303mg | Potassium: 1230mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 10455IU | Vitamin C: 148mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 4mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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This flavor-packed ground turkey and cabbage stir fry is packed with good-for-you veggies and an amazing stir fry sauce! via chelseasmessyapron.com
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Recipe Rating




40 Comments

  1. I wonder how this would be with red cabbage, which is a little more healthful. Could even throw in some kale. I love the versatility of this recipe. 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    Made this last night with red cabbage vs. green. Also threw in a green pepper. Used a package of ground turkey that was 1.3 pounds. It wasn’t too much meat. Flavor was outstanding! Will definitely make this again. Thanks for the great recipe!

  3. 5 stars
    Just made this for dinner and my husband and I loved it! Used 1 lb of ground turkey and a bit more cabbage because the head of cabbage I got was huge, but otherwise followed the recipe. Will definitely make this again, thank you!

  4. I’m making this again for the third time. This time with baby bok choy, red cabbage, and sugar snap peas. Last time was with tempeh instead of turkey, mushrooms, red cabbage and baby boy choy. I’m a huge fan as you can tell. 🙂

    1. I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! Thanks so much for coming back and sharing what you’re changing about it 🙂 Gives us all fun ideas!!

  5. 5 stars
    I VERY rarely comment on any recipe… This is hands down one of the best. Seriously. Thanks for sharing. Definitely best with the Shiacha mayo and served over Jasmine rice. It will go into my permanent collection. YUM!

  6. 5 stars
    That’s was so yummy… I added slivered almonds and chopped water chestnuts and served an orange sauce with it. Also I served it in Romain leaves. Thank you so much. So delish!!!!

  7. 5 stars
    Found this recipe today, and wow!! Absolutely delicious, and one which i will be making regularly. I swapped the green cabbage for purple and chose not to use the zucchini- instead used red pepper and an onion. It was a very pretty bowl in the end 🙂 thank you!!

    1. I’m so glad you loved this Ground Turkey Recipe! Those subs sound awesome! Thanks for sharing Laurel! 🙂

  8. 5 stars
    Simple and tasty! I cooked my veggies a little less because I like them super crunchy. It was delicious!

  9. 5 stars
    Made this last night. I love this recipe really easy to prepare and delicious! I added sesame seeds to it and used low sodium soy sauce. Love the flavors and the veggies! Thank you !

  10. 5 stars
    My family loves this dish – I usually make it with ground beef but had ground turkey on hand, and found your recipe. It was very good – my family ate it and loved it!

  11. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I was not expecting it to be so good but it is now going to be one of my favorite dishes. The Sriracha mayo definitely took it up a notch although it would still be great without it!

  12. 5 stars
    Easy & DELICIOUS- you never disappoint Chels! This has become a regular dinner selection because it’s loved by all and packed with veggies. I’ve substituted the zucchini with sliced bell peppers & used the whole head of cabbage and even have made this without the meat – still always good. I’d recommend doubling the sauce if you use the entire head of cabbage. I usually add chopped peanuts on top. The sriracha Mayo sauce is a MUST- so much better than any I’ve gotten at a hibachi restaurant. Thanks Chels!!

    1. You are so sweet! Thanks so much for taking the time to write this and share your tips! I really appreciate it! 🙂

  13. 5 stars
    I made this last night and all I can say is WOW! This was delicious! I used red cabbage and I left out the zucchini because I didn’t have any. That sauce is so good. I am definitely going to try this with thin sliced chicken and add broccoli and shrimp too. So so good. Thank you for a great recipe🙂

    1. I am so happy to hear how much you loved this! Those add ins sound awesome! Thanks for your comment Crystal! 🙂

  14. I came across this recipe today and made it for dinner. It’s amazing. My husband, who claims to hate all vegetables, scarfed it down. I got one serving and he got 3. Good with it without the sriracha mayo sauce.

  15. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness! This is a fabulous dish, Chelsea! I didn’t have sriracha sauce, so subbed Frank’s Red Hot sauce. My husband was very skeptical as he saw me prepping all the veggies, but he was the first one to have seconds! I’ll definitely make this many times…thank you!

  16. 5 stars
    Delicious dish!! I’m making healthier choices for my husband who had a heart attack, he lives it made it lots for him! I doubled the sauce and meat and added onions and some celery it’s sooo good! Thanks!!

  17. 5 stars
    This is literally the first comment I’ve ever posted on a recipe, because this dish is a lifesaver! I managed to sneak in the food prep while working from home, and the finished product came together in no time at the end of the day. I doubled the veggies and turkey, tripled the stir fry sauce, and made some slight dietary adjustments – success! (As someone who hates mayo on its own, I even agree that the sriracha mayo sauce is not to be missed.) Please keep the awesome recipes coming!

  18. 5 stars
    I just want to say this is delicious! It is my go too recipe, I change it up with the veggies whatever I have corn, peppers , but love the zuchinni in it, I love the siracha sauce and I make it with onions more flavourful than green onions! Thanks

  19. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe! Soooo good! The only thing I didn’t add was the brown sugar. The siracha mayo is definitely a must. It’s the perfect compliment to this dish.

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