Name: Ground Turkey and Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ½ pounds lean ground turkey; ¾ cup shredded carrots; ½ head of medium green cabbage (sliced); 1 ½ teaspoon olive oil (or avocado oil for cooking); 2 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon ginger (grated); salt + black pepper to taste; 3 green onion stalks (sliced thin); ¼ cup water or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce; 1-2 teaspoon agave syrup or brown sugar (add more to taste)

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This easy one-pan turkey cabbage stir fry is ready in just 20 minutes and packed with flavor, crunch, and lean protein. It’s one of my go-to healthy dinners—simple, flexible, and perfect for busy weeknights when I need something fast and cozy but still light.

I make this stir fry all the time when I’m craving something cozy but still light. It’s beginner-friendly, flexible, and made with simple ingredients I usually have in the fridge. Plus, it’s easy to double and makes great leftovers!

If you love quick dinners, check out my cabbage and beans or cabbage and sausage skillet next.

🛒Ingredients

Ground turkey – I use lean turkey for a lighter option that’s still filling.
Shredded carrots – Sweet, colorful, and cook up fast.
Green cabbage – Budget-friendly and hearty. Thin-slice it with a knife or mandoline.
Olive or avocado oil – Great for sautéing and adds a little healthy fat.
Garlic – Always use fresh—it makes a difference!
Ginger – Grated fresh ginger gives the dish a bold, zesty kick.
Salt + black pepper – Season to taste.
Green onions – Stirred in at the end for a little pop of flavor and color.
Water or veggie broth – Helps soften the cabbage without making things soggy.
Agave or brown sugar – I usually use agave to round out the spice and salt.

👩‍🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.

🥘 How To Make Turkey and Cabbage Skillet

Make the sauce: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and sweetener in a bowl. Set aside.
Cook the turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the turkey with garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Add veggies: Stir in cabbage, carrots, and broth. Cover and let steam 5–7 minutes, until tender.
Finish with sauce: Pour in the stir fry sauce and stir well.
Serve: Garnish with more green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha.

Can I Use Coleslaw Mix Instead of Fresh Cabbage?

YES! It’s a great shortcut and works just as well.

📋Tips

Use fresh garlic and ginger – It adds way more depth than dried.
Don’t overcook the cabbage – Keep some texture!
Start small with sriracha – 1 teaspoon for mild, 1 tablespoon for medium heat.
Regular sesame oil works fine – No need to get fancy.
Use any ground meat – Turkey, chicken, or beef all work.
Want it saucier? – Double the sauce!
Toss in extra veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas are great.
Serve with a base – Rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
Add a fried egg on top – Instant upgrade.
Make it vegetarian – Swap in tofu or tempeh!

🍱Storing Leftovers

🍱To Store. Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🥶Freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
🔥To Reheat. Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth, or microwave until heated through.
Make Ahead. Chop your veggies and mix the sauce early.

What To Serve With Ground Turkey Stir Fry

I love this dish as-is, but here are some ways to round it out:

Fried egg on top – Adds richness and protein.
Steamed rice – Classic and satisfying.
Rice noodles – Makes it a full meal.
Lettuce wraps – Fresh and fun.
Cauliflower rice – Great if you’re cutting carbs.

More One-Pot Skillet Recipes

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Ground Turkey and Cabbage Skillet