If you’re looking for a tasty dinner that’s both wholesome and quick to whip up, this Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a total winner. I love this dish because it blends lean protein with fresh veggies and herbs, making every bite vibrant and satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without fussing over complicated steps.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the coconut aminos and sesame oil brought such rich umami without feeling heavy. You’ll find that the combination of ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant herbs turns this stir-fry into a comforting yet light meal anyone can enjoy. Let me walk you through it so you can nail it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Cooks up in less than 30 minutes for those busy evenings.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Uses lean ground turkey and nutrient-packed cauliflower rice.
- Flavor-Packed: The fresh herbs and umami sauce take it from simple to spectacular.
- Versatile Meal: Great on its own or served as lettuce wraps or over rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role here — the ground turkey adds lean protein, while the cauliflower rice keeps things light and low-carb. Shiitake mushrooms bring an earthy depth, and fresh herbs brighten the whole dish. Here’s what I recommend picking up to get the best flavor and texture.
- Ground turkey: Use fresh or well-thawed—it browns better that way and stays juicy.
- Cauliflower rice: Fresh or frozen works; just make sure it’s chopped finely to blend well.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Finely chopped helps them melt into the stir-fry instead of overpowering each bite.
- Garlic: Fresh minced for that punchy aromatics.
- Cabbage: Adds a subtle crunch and sweetness; finely chopped for quick cooking.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for warmth and zing.
- Coconut aminos: A lighter, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce, perfect for that umami vibe.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash for a fragrant, nutty note.
- Sambal oelek or Sriracha: For balancing heat — adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Green onions: Finely chopped for freshness in the sauce and garnish.
- Cilantro and fresh basil (optional): These herbs elevate the dish with bright, herbal notes.
- For serving (optional): Cooked rice, large romaine leaves, matchstick cucumbers, fresh mint, and soy sauce make fun accompaniments to round out your meal.
Variations
I love that this Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a blank canvas—you can tweak it easily based on what you have in your fridge or your dietary preferences. Play around and make it your own!
- Use different protein: I sometimes swap ground turkey for chicken or even plant-based crumbles to satisfy different tastes in my house.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots work great if you want more color and crunch.
- Make it spicier: Add extra sambal oelek or finish with a drizzle of chili oil for a love-it-or-heat-it kick.
- Change the herbs: Fresh mint or Thai basil can replace the standard cilantro and basil for a slight flavor twist.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Rice and Mushrooms
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and finely chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir often to break up the turkey and ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for nicely browned turkey and tender mushrooms without moisture pooling in the pan — this should take about 8 minutes. The browning adds tons of flavor, so don’t rush through it!
Step 2: Add Garlic, Cabbage, and Fresh Ginger
Once the turkey looks mostly cooked through, stir in the minced garlic, finely chopped cabbage, and grated fresh ginger. Cook for 2 more minutes until the garlic is aromatic and the cabbage softens slightly. The ginger adds a fresh zing that balances the richness of the turkey beautifully in this stir-fry.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Finish Cooking
While the veggies soften, whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, sambal oelek (or Sriracha), and green onions in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over your turkey mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Toss in the chopped cilantro and basil if using, and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the herbs wilt lightly. Then, remove the pan from heat to keep those herbs fresh and fragrant.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
This stir-fry can stand on its own, or you can serve it alongside cooked rice, large romaine leaves, crunchy matchstick cucumbers, fresh mint, and a little soy sauce on the side. I personally love wrapping it up in romaine leaves for a lighter, hand-held meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual lunches.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Don’t skip browning: Taking the time to really brown the turkey builds deep flavor—avoid overcrowding the pan to keep moisture from steaming instead of searing.
- Chop mushrooms finely: This helps them blend with the cauliflower rice texture and prevents big chunks from dominating the dish.
- Adjust heat level last: I add sambal oelek gradually so you can hit just the right spice for your taste buds.
- Fresh herbs at the end: Stir herbs in last and cook briefly to preserve their bright flavors and aroma without overcooking.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish this stir-fry with extra chopped green onions and cilantro on top — it adds a fresh pop that complements the savory notes. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice right before eating also brightens everything up beautifully. For a little texture crunch, matchstick cucumbers or chopped roasted peanuts make a nice addition.
Side Dishes
While the stir-fry is filling, I like pairing it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. Large crisp romaine leaves make excellent “taco” wraps for a fun, low-carb way to enjoy the meal. A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a light Asian-inspired slaw also pairs amazingly well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, I love serving this stir-fry in individual lettuce cups, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra coconut aminos. You can also plate it over a bed of vibrant spiralized veggies or use small bowls for a deconstructed look that invites guests to mix and match. These little touches make it feel special and festive beyond everyday meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld better after resting, so if anything, it tastes even more delicious the next day. Just keep the fresh herbs separate if you want to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stir-fry a couple of times with good results. To freeze, let it cool fully, then portion into freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note, the cauliflower rice may get a little softer after freezing, but the overall dish still tastes great and stays convenient for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to bring back some moisture and warmth. Microwave works fine too, but gently stirring midway helps keep the texture even. Adding fresh herbs after reheating really freshens it up!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of ground meat for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or beef can easily replace turkey in this recipe—just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fat content. I like turkey for its lean profile, but feel free to swap as you prefer.
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Is cauliflower rice necessary or can I substitute regular rice?
You can definitely substitute cooked white or brown rice if you prefer a more substantial, carb-rich meal. Cauliflower rice keeps the dish lower in carbs and adds a nice vegetable boost, but both options work wonderfully.
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What if I don’t have coconut aminos—can I use soy sauce instead?
Yes! Soy sauce is a good substitute if you don’t have coconut aminos on hand. Just start with a smaller quantity since soy sauce tends to be saltier, and adjust to taste.
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Can I make this stir-fry vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely. Use plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu in place of the turkey. Add extra mushrooms and veggies to keep it hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is one of those meals I rely on when I want something nourishing, tasty, and made from scratch in a flash. The way the fresh herbs and umami-rich sauce come together reminds me why I love cooking at home. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—it’s a simple, flexible dish that always brings a little extra joy to the table.
PrintGround Turkey Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, Mushrooms, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A flavorful and healthy Ground Turkey Stir-Fry featuring cauliflower rice, shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger, and a savory coconut aminos sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a low-carb, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners, served with fresh herbs and optional accompaniments like romaine leaves and cooked rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¾ cup cauliflower rice
- ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, very finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Sauce & Flavorings
- ¾ cup coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek or Sriracha
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil (optional)
Optional Serving Ingredients
- Cooked rice
- Large romaine leaves
- Matchstick cucumbers
- Fresh mint leaves
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey and Vegetables: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and finely chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir frequently and cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Cabbage: Stir in the minced garlic, finely chopped cabbage, and grated fresh ginger. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the cabbage has softened.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, sambal oelek or Sriracha, and chopped green onions. Pour this sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring well to combine.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and basil, if using, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Serve the ground turkey stir-fry alongside cooked rice, large romaine leaves, matchstick cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, cilantro, and soy sauce as desired for a customizable and fresh meal experience.
Notes
- For a lower carb option, skip the cooked rice and use large romaine leaves as wraps.
- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek or Sriracha to your preferred heat level.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Shiitake mushrooms add umami flavor; feel free to substitute with other mushrooms if needed.
- Use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative to soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg