Ground turkey broccoli stir fry is a fast skillet dinner that goes from fridge to table in about 25 minutes. Lean turkey, bright green broccoli, garlic, and ginger come together in one pan with a simple splash of soy sauce.
It is an easy weeknight meal for anyone who wants plenty of protein without a long list of ingredients. Spoon it over rice or noodles, and you have a full dinner that also makes good lunches the next day.
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Why This Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe Works
Ground turkey cooks quickly and soaks up flavor, so a small amount of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce goes a long way. Browning the turkey in a hot pan gives it more flavor than simply steaming it in sauce.
Broccoli is added after the turkey is cooked, which keeps the florets bright green and tender with a little bite. Cooking everything in one skillet also means there is almost nothing to wash up afterward.
The recipe is also flexible. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, and you can stir in extra vegetables if you want to stretch dinner even further.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How to Make Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Heat the oil.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the garlic and ginger.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant. Do not let them brown.
3. Brown the turkey.
Add the ground turkey and break it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until it is no longer pink and lightly browned. Ground turkey is safe once it reaches 165 degrees F, so check with a food thermometer if you are unsure.
4. Add the broccoli and soy sauce.
Stir in the broccoli and soy sauce. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
5. Season and serve.
Taste and add the salt and pepper as needed. Spoon the stir fry over hot rice or noodles.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
Serve this stir fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. A few sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a nice finishing touch.
If you like ground turkey skillet meals, try the ginger garlic ground turkey stir fry or the hoisin ground turkey stir fry for a sweeter sauce. The ground turkey teriyaki stir fry and the ground turkey green bean stir fry are also quick options for busy nights.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, using shallow containers so the food cools quickly. Store the stir fry in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, and keep the rice in a separate container if you can.
Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it is steaming hot throughout, at 165 degrees F. Add a small splash of water if it looks dry. If you freeze it, thaw it in the refrigerator first. Broccoli will be softer after freezing.
Tips and Variations for Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
Do not overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but still bright green, because it keeps softening from the heat of the pan after you take it off the burner. If you use frozen broccoli, add it straight from the freezer and give it a minute or two longer.
For more vegetables, add sliced bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli. For heat, stir in a splash of chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free soy sauce.
Because soy sauce is salty, taste the stir fry before adding any extra salt. The FDA guide to safe food handling lists 165 degrees F as the safe minimum internal temperature for ground poultry and recommends refrigerating cooked food within 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
Can I use frozen broccoli in ground turkey broccoli stir fry?
Yes. Add the frozen florets straight to the pan after the turkey is cooked and stir until they are hot and tender. They may release a little water, so let it cook off for a minute.
What can I serve with ground turkey broccoli stir fry?
Rice and noodles are the classic choices. Cauliflower rice works well if you want a lighter plate.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Ground chicken cooks the same way and should also reach 165 degrees F.
How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
Add it after the turkey is browned and cook it only until it is tender and bright green. Stirring often helps it cook evenly without sitting too long in the heat.
Can I make ground turkey broccoli stir fry ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Cook it, cool it quickly in shallow containers, and refrigerate. Pack the rice separately and reheat everything until steaming hot before eating.
Ground Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 cup broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt plus more to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, break it up, and cook until browned and cooked through to 165 degrees F.
- Stir in the broccoli and soy sauce and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender and bright green.
- Season with the salt and pepper and serve over rice or noodles.
