Introduction
This Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey pairs beautifully with crisp green beans in a bold, savory sauce with a touch of heat. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked turkey to the skillet and add soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Variations
-
Swap the Protein – If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its own unique texture and flavor, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
-
Try Different Vegetables – While green beans give a great crunch, you can swap them for broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or even sugar snap peas for a different twist. If using firmer veggies like carrots, slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly.
-
Adjust the Spice Level – If you love heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet balance.
Cooking Notes
- Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference start with less if you prefer mild heat.
- Swap green beans for broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a veggie twist.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hoisin sauce or a splash of lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve Over Rice or Noodles – This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal. You can also serve it over rice noodles or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired bowl.
-
Low-Carb Option – For a lighter, low-carb meal, serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These options soak up the sauce without adding extra carbs, making the dish keto-friendly.
-
Add a Side of Fresh Vegetables – Pairing this dish with a side of cucumber salad, pickled radishes, or a fresh slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory and spicy flavors. A drizzle of extra sesame oil and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts also enhance the meal’s texture and taste.
Tips
-
Prep Ingredients Before Cooking – Since stir-frying happens quickly, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before turning on the stove. Chop veggies, mince garlic, and measure sauces in advance to avoid overcooking or burning.
-
Enhance the Sauce with Extra Depth – If you want a richer sauce, add a teaspoon of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of fish sauce. These ingredients add complexity and an authentic umami flavor.
-
Garnish for Extra Flavor and Crunch – Don’t skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or even crispy shallots add an extra layer of texture and taste to the dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen green beans work well, but for the best texture, thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the dish watery. -
What can I use instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium option?
If you’re watching your sodium intake, swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari. These alternatives provide similar umami flavor with less salt. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. If microwaving, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. -
What can I serve with this dish to make it a full meal?
For a complete meal, serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a side of Asian-inspired cucumber salad, miso soup, or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
This Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein, loaded with crisp vegetables, and coated in a bold, savory sauce with just the right kick of heat. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade takeout favorite right in your own kitchen! 🍽️🔥
Print
Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey pairs beautifully with crisp green beans in a bold, savory sauce with a touch of heat. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked turkey to the skillet and add soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference start with less if you prefer mild heat.
- Swap green beans for broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a veggie twist.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hoisin sauce or a splash of lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Ground turkey stir-fry, spicy stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy stir-fry, turkey and green beans