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Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir Fry - Fast, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works well for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 small green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 6–7 cups)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1–2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon water (to loosen the sauce)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lime wedges
  • Cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for serving

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha (if using), and water. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat. Set aside.
  2. Prep the veggies. Core and thinly slice the cabbage. Slice the onion and carrots. Mince the garlic and ginger. Have everything ready—the cooking goes fast.
  3. Brown the turkey. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then the ground turkey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add aromatics. Push the turkey to one side. Add a little more oil if the pan looks dry. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then mix with the turkey.
  5. Stir fry the cabbage and carrots. Add cabbage and carrots. Toss well and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens but still has some bite. If the pan is crowded, cook in batches or cover for 1 minute to steam, then uncover to finish.
  6. Add the sauce. Pour the sauce over the mixture. Toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and clings to the turkey and cabbage. Stir in green onions.
  7. Taste and finish. Adjust seasonings—more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or honey for balance. Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onion on top. Serve hot over rice or on its own.