This one-pan stir fry takes just 20 minutes and is packed with lean ground turkey, crunchy cabbage, and a simple homemade sauce. It's the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something quick, healthy, and full of flavor-perfect for busy weeknights.
If you love easy skillet dinners, check out my Mexican turkey skillet or ground beef and rice too!
Short Video
Why It's Yummy
- Customizable - Swap in your favorite protein or veggies!
- One-pan dinner - Easy to clean, fast to cook.
- Bold, balanced flavors - The sauce hits all the sweet, salty, and spicy notes.
- Veggie-loaded - Cabbage, carrots, and green onion bring color and crunch.
- Great for leftovers - Tastes even better the next day.
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Ingredients for Ground Turkey Stir Fry
- Ground turkey - I always keep some in the fridge or freezer. It's lean, full of protein, and a great swap when I want something lighter than beef.
- Shredded carrots - These add a little natural sweetness and color. Simiar to my turkey wraps, sweet potatoes are a great substitute too.
- Green cabbage - This one's a budget hero. It cooks down beautifully and makes the dish hearty without feeling heavy. Cut the cabbage into thin stripes with a knife or mandoline.
- Garlic - I always go for fresh cloves-so much more flavor than pre-canned!
- Water or vegetable broth - A splash helps steam the veggies without making things soggy.
- Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos - This is the base of all that umami. I use coconut aminos when I want something a little sweeter and gluten-free.
- Sesame oil - I adore the nutty aroma this brings. Just a little goes a long way!
- Agave syrup or brown sugar - I usually go with agave for a hint of sweetness-it really balances the savory and spicy notes.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Turkey Stir Fry
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and agave. Set aside.
- Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add turkey, garlic, ginger, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add veggies: Stir in cabbage, carrots, and broth. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add sauce: Stir in sauce. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with more green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic and ginger - It boosts the flavor big time.
- Don't overcook the cabbage - Keep some crunch!
- Regular sesame oil works just fine here too-no need for anything fancy.
- If you're heat-sensitive, start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha-1 tablespoon gives it a medium kick, which I love, but you can totally dial it down. I wouldn't skip it though-it adds so much flavor, not just spice.
- You can easily swap in any ground meat you have-chicken, turkey, or even beef. I used just half a pound and thought it was the perfect balance with the veggies, but you can use more if you want it extra protein-packed.
- Love your stir fry extra saucy? Feel free to double the sauce. I personally think this recipe has just the right amount for coating everything, but more sauce is never a bad idea if you like it extra flavorful!
- Toss in extra veggies - Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Serve with rice or noodles - To stretch the meal further.
What To Serve With Stir Fry
I love serving this stir fry over a simple base or alongside something crunchy.
- Fried egg on top - Adds richness and protein.
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice - Always a classic.
- Cauliflower rice - For a low-carb twist.
- Rice noodles - To make it heartier.
- Lettuce wraps - Refreshing and fun to eat.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
To Make Ahead. Chop veggies and prep the sauce ahead. Cook fresh.
To Reheat. Rewarm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave until hot.
More Stir Fry Recipes
- Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
- Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Napa Cabbage Stir Fry with Mushrooms
- Veggie-Packed Egg Roll in a Bowl
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and agave. Set aside.2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce, 1-2 teaspoon agave syrup or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add turkey, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.1 ½ pound lean ground turkey, 2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, salt + black pepper, 3 green onion stalks, 1 ½ teaspoon olive oil
- Add veggies: Stir in cabbage, carrots, and broth. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.¾ cup shredded carrots, ½ head of medium green cabbage, ¼ cup water
- Add sauce: Stir in sauce. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with more green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Regular sesame oil works just fine here too-no need for anything fancy.
- If you're heat-sensitive, start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha-1 tablespoon gives it a medium kick, which I love, but you can totally dial it down. I wouldn't skip it though-it adds so much flavor, not just spice.
- You can easily swap in any ground meat you have-chicken, turkey, or even beef. I used just half a pound and thought it was the perfect balance with the veggies, but you can use more if you want it extra protein-packed.
- Love your stir fry extra saucy? Feel free to double the sauce. I personally think this recipe has just the right amount for coating everything, but more sauce is never a bad idea if you like it extra flavorful!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Turkey Stir Fry: FAQs
YES! It's a great shortcut and works perfectly.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin, even strips. Check out these tips on how to cut cabbage.
Sure! Use tofu, tempeh or white beans (similar to this cabbage skillet) instead of turkey.
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Greta
This recipe is wonderful! Big hit with my husband and son, adding it to the regular rotation. Topped it with some hoisin sauce - so good.
Julia
thank you Greta, glad it turned out great!
Sarah
I am literally OBSESSED with this dish!!!! Yum! To make it easier, I just put in a bag of coleslaw mix, no carrots, and use a whole pound of ground meat. It’s so simple and so flavorful. Thank you!!!!
Christi
Great recipe. I will probably add a little more sauce. Also added broccoli.
Neil Persh
Interesting that you posted this recipe today. I made it the last time you posted it and I plan on making it again tonight. It came out great! It was the 1st time I ever used cabbage, and now I use it in a lot of dishes.
Julia
Cabbage is THE BEST! Thank you for commenting 🙂