This Teriyaki Ground Turkey, Broccoli and Peas recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I need something that's both comforting and packed with flavor. Savor the sweet and savory harmony of tender ground turkey mingled with crisp broccoli and sweet peas, all blanketed in a glossy teriyaki sauce that I love to whip up on busy weeknights. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that only requires 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, making it a lifesaver when dinner needs to hit the table fast. With a hint of garlic and fresh ginger in every forkful, each mouthful feels like a cozy celebration rather than just another routine meal.
Growing up, my family always gathered around the table to share simple, soulful dishes, and this plate brings back all those warm memories. There’s something so satisfying about stirring together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. As the ground turkey browns and the broccoli and peas turn vibrant green, you know you’re moments away from something special. At just about 400 calories a serving, this dish keeps you energized and ready for whatever the evening has in store. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, over rice or noodles, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark and return to again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN TERIYAKI GROUND TURKEY, BROCCOLI AND PEAS
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the star players in this recipe. Each ingredient brings its own personality, texture, and depth of flavor—working together to transform ordinary pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal.
- Ground turkey
A lean protein that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully, keeping the dish light yet satisfying. Its mild flavor serves as a perfect canvas for bold seasonings.
- Broccoli florets
These bright-green buds add a crisp-tender bite and a pop of color. They balance the richness of the turkey and contribute a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Green peas
Sweet, tender, and slightly starchy, peas introduce a playful texture contrast and natural sweetness that complements the savory sauce.
- Olive oil
Used for sautéing, it provides a smooth base for browning the turkey and cooking the vegetables without overpowering other flavors.
- Soy sauce
The backbone of the teriyaki sauce, it delivers that essential umami punch and a salty depth.
- Honey
Brings natural sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce into a glossy finish that clings to every bite.
- Rice vinegar
Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness with a refreshing note.
- Sesame oil
A drizzle at the end infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic
Minced for quick release of its pungent, aromatic qualities, enhancing the savory side of the sauce.
- Fresh ginger
Grated and mixed in for a warm, zesty kick that livens up each mouthful.
- Red pepper flakes
Optional but highly recommended if you crave a hint of heat. They add a spark without overwhelming.
- Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that build layers of flavor and help balance sweetness and acidity.
- Sesame seeds
Toasted on top for a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty accent.
- Green onions
Sliced thinly to garnish, lending a fresh, oniony bite and a burst of bright color.
HOW TO MAKE TERIYAKI GROUND TURKEY, BROCCOLI AND PEAS
With your ingredients assembled and prepped, you’re ready to bring everything together in a single skillet. The steps below guide you through building layers of flavor—from browning meat to simmering sauce—so you end up with a cohesive, mouthwatering dish in under 30 minutes.
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey in an even layer and let it sear for a minute before stirring. Continue to cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Season generously with salt and pepper, then remove the meat from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the broccoli florets and green peas, stirring occasionally to coat them in the hot oil. Cook until the vegetables turn a bright green and reach a tender-crisp texture, about 4–5 minutes.
3. While the veggies cook, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This is your homemade teriyaki sauce, aromatic and ready to elevate the dish.
4. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet, nestling it among the broccoli and peas. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly to coat every piece. Turn the heat down to low and let the pan simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. If you’re in the mood for a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir well to distribute heat throughout the dish.
6. Once everything is well-combined and heated through, turn off the heat and generously sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Finish with a handful of sliced green onions for a fresh, crunchy garnish.
7. Serve the mixture hot, either on its own or spooned over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR TERIYAKI GROUND TURKEY, BROCCOLI AND PEAS
After all that cooking, you’ll want to present your dish in ways that highlight its vibrant colors and textures. Whether you’re serving family-style at the table or preparing individual portions, these suggestions will elevate the experience.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice
Fluff the rice with a fork, plate it, and pile the teriyaki turkey and veggies on top. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan around the edges for an appealing presentation.
- Pile onto noodle bowls
Toss cooked soba or udon noodles in a bit of sesame oil, then nestle the turkey and broccoli mixture on top. Garnish with extra sliced green onions for a restaurant-style look.
- Spoon into lettuce wraps
Use crisp butter or iceberg lettuce leaves as cups. Spoon in the teriyaki mixture, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and fold to eat handheld for a fun, low-carb twist.
- Pack for meal prep lunches
Divide the cold ingredients into airtight containers, layering rice or noodles on the bottom and the turkey mixture on top. When reheating, sprinkle a little water or extra sauce to keep everything moist.
HOW TO STORE TERIYAKI GROUND TURKEY, BROCCOLI AND PEAS
Storing this flavorful dish properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers that taste almost as good as fresh. Follow these guidelines to keep textures and flavors at their best for later meals.
- Refrigerator storage
Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing in portions
Divide cooled servings into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separate sauce and vegetables
If you want to preserve the crispness of the broccoli and peas, store them in one container and the turkey with sauce in another. Combine and reheat just before serving for optimal texture.
- Gentle reheating
Heat over low to medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain moisture without overcooking the vegetables.
CONCLUSION
Congratulations on making your way through this flavorful journey of Teriyaki Ground Turkey, Broccoli and Peas! From chopping fresh broccoli florets to whisking together that irresistibly glossy sauce, you’ve unlocked a simple yet sophisticated weeknight meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples—soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger—you’ve created a dish with balanced layers of sweet, salty, and umami notes. Whether you served it over steaming jasmine rice, twisted it into noodle bowls, or tucked it into crisp lettuce cups, this recipe proves that quick dinners can still feel special and restaurant-worthy. I encourage you to print this article and save it for later use; it’s the perfect go-to on hectic evenings when you want to impress without hours in the kitchen. Below, you’ll even find a helpful FAQ section to address common questions, from ingredient swaps to reheating tips.
Thank you for spending time here in my digital kitchen! I hope this guide inspires you to whip up this teriyaki sensation again and again. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback—whether you swapped in chicken, added extra veggies, or experimented with spice levels—please share your experience. I’m always eager to hear about your cooking adventures and help troubleshoot any step of the process. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious, stress-free meals ahead!
Teriyaki Ground Turkey, Broccoli and Peas
Description
Experience the delicious balance of flavors with tender ground turkey, vibrant broccoli, and sweet peas, all coated in a rich teriyaki sauce that will elevate your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and green peas, stirring occasionally, and cook until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
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Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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If you want some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet and stir well.
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Once everything is well-combined and heated through, sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish, followed by sliced green onions.
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Serve hot, either on its own or over steamed rice or noodles.
Note
- For added flavor, marinate the turkey in the teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef for different variations.
- For extra crunch, add chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions for a visually appealing dish.
