Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, savory teriyaki turkey that practically melts in your mouth. This isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ground turkey into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave bold Asian-inspired flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker teriyaki turkey will become your new go-to meal that impresses family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping green onions, slicing bell peppers into thin strips, and mincing fresh garlic and ginger.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a large spoon to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Lightly grease the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the seasoned ground turkey mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour the entire cup of teriyaki sauce over the ground turkey, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the sauce to seep into the meat.
- Sprinkle sliced bell peppers and chopped green onions evenly over the turkey mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the turkey to become tender and absorb the teriyaki sauce flavors.
- Occasionally stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent bottom burning.
- Once cooking is complete, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice, garnishing with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the ground turkey in half the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking if time permits. • Choose low-sodium teriyaki sauce to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty. • Don't skip stirring midway through cooking—this prevents uneven heating and ensures consistent flavor distribution. • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. • For added nutrition, consider using brown rice instead of white rice as your base. • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and make an excellent next-day lunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 405kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 60g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
