This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful dish I love to make when I want something healthy and satisfying in under 30 minutes. Lean ground turkey is sautéed with crisp bell peppers, garlic, and a savory stir-fry sauce that ties everything together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and I often serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, simple, and loaded with protein and veggies. The ground turkey cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce, while the bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. It’s a clean, balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Plus, I can make it all in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground turkey
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Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
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Onion, sliced (optional)
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Garlic, minced
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Ginger, grated
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Soy sauce
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Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
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Rice vinegar
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Brown sugar or honey
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Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
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Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
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Vegetable oil or sesame oil
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Salt and black pepper
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Green onions and sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
directions
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I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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I add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, then season with a little salt and pepper.
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I stir in the garlic, ginger, and onion (if using) and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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I add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, until they’re just tender but still crisp.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, hoisin or oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar. If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water.
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I pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat everything. I let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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I remove from heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then I garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes and cooking time is around 15 minutes, so the entire meal is ready in about 25 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli to the stir-fry for more vegetables. I’ve also used ground chicken or lean ground beef in place of turkey. When I want a low-carb option, I serve it in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice. For a Thai-inspired version, I add basil leaves and a splash of fish sauce.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it looks dry, I add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, I often add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili peppers while cooking to give it a kick.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I divide it into containers with rice or quinoa and refrigerate for quick, grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
What’s the best kind of bell pepper to use?
I like a mix of colors for variety, but any bell pepper works—red and yellow are sweeter, while green is more earthy.
Can I use pre-chopped vegetables?
Yes, I sometimes use a stir-fry mix or pre-cut bell peppers to save time. It’s still just as delicious.
What’s the best way to serve this?
I usually serve it over rice, but it’s also great with noodles, in wraps, or even as a taco filling for a fun twist.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is one of my favorite easy meals because it’s healthy, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish I can whip up in no time with ingredients I almost always have on hand. Whether I’m feeding the family or cooking for myself, it’s a go-to recipe that always satisfies.
Print
Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and colorful one-pan meal featuring lean turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep and can be served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and onion (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin/oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Add cornstarch mixed with a splash of water if thickening is desired.
- Pour sauce into skillet, stir to coat everything evenly, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap turkey for ground chicken or beef.
- Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for more veggies.
- Serve with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or as taco filling.
- Add Thai basil and fish sauce for a Thai-inspired twist.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to refresh leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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