His Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir Fry is the kind of weeknight dinner that saves the day when you’re short on time but still want something fresh, hearty, and full of flavor. You’ve got juicy, browned ground turkey, crisp-tender green beans, and a punchy homemade sauce that pulls everything together—sweet, salty, savory, with a subtle heat. The best part? It’s all done in one pan in under 20 minutes, and it reheats beautifully. This one’s a keeper, especially if you’re cooking ahead for the week.
WHY I LOVE THIS STIR FRY
I first started making this dish on a rainy Tuesday when I had very little left in the fridge—just a pack of ground turkey and a handful of green beans. With a few pantry staples and a quick sauce, dinner turned out better than I expected. Since then, it’s been a regular part of my meal prep routine. It’s fast, nourishing, and packed with bold flavors without needing anything fancy. Whether I serve it with rice, noodles, or just spoon it into lettuce cups, it never lets me down.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
If you’ve got 20 minutes and a skillet, you’re in business. This stir fry is:
- Super quick, which makes it perfect for weeknights when you’re running low on energy or time.
- Made in just one pan, so there’s barely any cleanup.
- Packed with a rich, homemade sauce that brings sweet, savory, and spicy flavors together—no bottled stir-fry sauce needed.
- Easy to tweak with whatever veggies or protein you have on hand.
- Great for leftovers—this one actually tastes better the next day, making it ideal for lunchboxes or meal prep.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Stir Fry:
- Ground turkey: I use 93% lean—it has enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful. You can also use ground chicken, pork, or beef if that’s what you have.
- Green beans: Go with fresh green beans here—trimmed and snapped. Avoid canned ones for this.
- Olive oil: Any light olive oil works. I usually stick to cold-pressed for the best flavor.
- Onion: White or yellow onions are fine. Don’t skip this—it adds a base sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic is ideal, but jarred works too in a pinch.
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps things savory without being overly salty. Tamari or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free versions.
- Chili garlic sauce: Adds depth and a mild kick. Swap with sriracha or sweet chili sauce if you want to mix it up.
- Honey: Gives the sauce a subtle glaze and sweetness. You can sub maple syrup or brown sugar if needed.
- Sesame oil: This is where the magic happens. Just a little goes a long way for that classic stir-fry aroma.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds zing and warmth, but ground ginger will do if that’s all you have.
- Seasonings: I use salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
HOW TO MAKE THIS GROUND TURKEY STIR FRY
Step 1: Sauté the Green Beans
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green with a slight char. They should still have some bite. Transfer them to a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the chopped onion. Let it soften for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then crumble in the ground turkey and cook it until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the turkey is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or jar.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the green beans to the pan with the turkey and pour in your sauce. Stir it all together, making sure the sauce coats everything well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon it over freshly cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if you’ve got some. Serve hot and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE THIS STIR FRY
- With Rice: A bowl of jasmine, white, or brown rice makes this a filling, balanced meal.
- With Noodles: Toss with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a comforting stir-fry bowl.
- Low-Carb Style: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice to keep it light and clean.
- With Quinoa: A great protein boost that pairs well with the saucy turkey.
RECIPE VARIATIONS AND TIPS
- Want it spicier? Stir in a little extra chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Switch up the protein: Ground chicken, pork, beef, or even crumbled tofu all work great here.
- More veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, shredded carrots, or even broccoli can be tossed in for added color and crunch.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. You can also try a gluten-free hoisin or teriyaki twist.
STORING LEFTOVERS
This dish holds up really well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. I actually think it tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, and you’re good to go. It’s one of those meals that’s great hot or at room temp, which makes it awesome for lunchboxes.
Thai-Inspired Ground Turkey Stir Fry
A fast, flavorful Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir Fry that comes together in under 20 minutes—all made in just one pan! Lean ground turkey combined with crisp-tender green beans, all tossed in a savory Asian-style sauce that tastes even better than takeout.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed and chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the green beans and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the green beans for around 6 minutes, until they’re slightly charred and tender yet still crisp. Avoid overcooking—they should remain firm. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- While the turkey is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Return the green beans to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and mix everything thoroughly so the turkey and beans are evenly coated. Let it all simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot over rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 462Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 120mgSodium 793mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 4gSugar 14gProtein 33g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I freeze this stir fry?
Yes! Let it cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle heat from the chili garlic sauce, but you can easily dial it up or down depending on your taste.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap the turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pan is big enough to hold everything without steaming the ingredients.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner with bold flavor and minimal mess, this Asian Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir Fry checks all the boxes. It’s warm, hearty, just the right amount of spicy, and totally crave-worthy. Give it a shot—I bet it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.
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