Name: Easy Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional); Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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This Easy Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal I turn to on busy weeknights. It combines lean ground turkey with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. It’s fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and ingredients. It’s packed with protein, full of vibrant veggies, and the sauce is both savory and slightly sweet. I can keep it low-carb by serving it with cauliflower rice or wrap it in lettuce for a light, fresh take. It’s one of those reliable recipes that never lets me down.

Ingredients

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

Ground turkey
Bell peppers (I like using red, yellow, and green for color)
Onion, sliced (optional)
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated or minced (optional but adds great flavor)
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
Sesame oil (for flavor)
Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

I heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
I add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
I stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
I add the sliced bell peppers (and onion, if using) and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the veggies are tender-crisp.
I mix in soy sauce, hoisin or oyster sauce, and a dash of rice vinegar or lime juice. I stir everything well to coat and let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
I drizzle in a little sesame oil and give it a final stir before removing from heat.
I serve it hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if I have them on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook. Total time: approximately 25–30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage for more veggies.
For a spicier version, I stir in chili garlic sauce or a spoonful of sriracha.
I switch the protein to ground chicken or beef when I want something different.
I serve it over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles depending on what I have.
A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews adds a nice crunch on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals until hot. It also freezes well—I let it cool, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. I thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.

What kind of ground turkey should I use?

I usually go for lean ground turkey (93/7). It has enough fat to stay juicy without being greasy.

Do I need a wok to make this?

Not at all. I use a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan and it works just fine.

Can I make this low-sodium?

Yes, I use low-sodium soy sauce and limit or skip the hoisin/oyster sauce. I taste and adjust as needed with more vinegar or lime juice for flavor.

What pairs well with this stir-fry?

I like to serve it with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh bite.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is one of my weeknight heroes—simple, quick, and packed with flavor. With lean protein, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal I can count on. Whether I’m short on time or just want something delicious without the fuss, this recipe always hits the spot.