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!
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.
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.
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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
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Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir Fry
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INGREDIENTS
For the Stir Fry:
- ½ pounds lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ½ head of medium green cabbage, sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoon olive oil, or avocado oil for cooking
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- salt + black pepper, to taste
- 3 green onion stalks, sliced thin
- ¼ cup water, or vegetable broth
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce
- 1-2 teaspoon agave syrup or brown sugar, add more to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- 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.½ pounds 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.
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!
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
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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