I’ve whipped up a quick and vibrant Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir‑Fry—lean ground turkey sautéed with colorful bell peppers, savory aromatics, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a fast, healthy dish that brings bold flavor to the table in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how effortlessly this stir‑fry comes together and how satisfying it is. The ground turkey cooks quickly and soaks up the savory sauce, while the peppers add sweetness and crunch. It’s protein-packed, low-carb (if I skip rice), and flexible enough to pair with my favorite side—rice, noodles, or a leafy green salad.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground turkey
bell peppers (various colors), sliced into strips
onion, sliced
garlic, minced
ginger, minced or grated
soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
rice vinegar or lime juice
honey or brown sugar (optional sweetness)
sesame oil
olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)
fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
optional: sesame seeds, sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn

directions

Prep the aromatics and peppers:
I slice the peppers and onion, mince garlic and ginger, and gather the sauce ingredients before cooking—it keeps the process fast.
Cook the turkey:
I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat. I add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. I season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink—about 5 minutes.
Add onions and peppers:
I push the turkey to one side of the pan and add a bit more oil. I toss in sliced onion and peppers, sautéing until they soften slightly—around 3–4 minutes—for a tender-crisp finish.
Flavor aromatics:
Then I add minced garlic and ginger, stirring everything together. I cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, watching closely so they don’t burn.
Add the sauce:
I whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey (or brown sugar), and sesame oil. If I want heat, I stir in chili flakes or sriracha. I pour the sauce over the turkey and peppers, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
Simmer briefly:
I let the mixture cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish and serve:
I remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions over the top. I garnish with sesame seeds if I’m feeling fancy and serve while it’s hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

I swap ground turkey for ground chicken, pork, or beef depending on mood.
I add vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrot slices for variety.
I stir in crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch.
I use tamari and coconut aminos to make it soy-free and gluten-free.
I add red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—components like rice should be stored separately.
Reheating: I reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the veggies and sauce, or microwave covered for 1–2 minutes.
Freezing: I freeze the stir‑fry in portions without rice for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes—I use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double‑check that any sweetener or chili sauce is gluten‑free.

What’s the best way to keep vegetables crisp?

I cook the peppers and onions separately and add them after the turkey is nearly done. That way they stay tender‑crisp instead of turning mushy.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely—I cut the veggies and prepare the sauce in advance. When I’m ready, I just cook turkey and toss everything together quickly.

What can I serve with it?

I love it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, rice noodles, or packed into lettuce wraps for a lighter take.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely—I add chopped fresh chili, a dash of sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

I adore this Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir‑Fry because it’s fast, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of my go‑to meals for busy nights when I want quick comfort without compromising on taste or health.