20-Minute Maple Dijon Turkey (Print)

Lean turkey and crisp cabbage blend in a sweet-savory stir-fry with maple Dijon flair, dinner on the table in 20 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned or grated
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced

→ Sauce Components

08 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
09 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For Cooking and Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, approximately 4–5 minutes.
03 - Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Introduce the sliced cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
05 - Pour the prepared sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld and slightly thicken.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the reserved sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately. Consider serving with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Packed with vegetables and lean protein
  • Naturally gluten free with simple substitutions
  • Perfect balance of sweet maple and tangy Dijon flavors
02 -
  • Incredibly versatile recipe that works with different proteins
  • Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
  • Contains approximately 270 calories per serving
  • Perfect for meal prep containers that last up to 4 days
  • Naturally gluten free when using tamari instead of soy sauce
03 -
  • When slicing cabbage, remove the core first and cut it into quarters before slicing into thin strips. This makes the process much more manageable and results in more consistent pieces.
  • For maximum flavor development, let your skillet or wok get properly hot before adding ingredients. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the turkey hits the pan.
  • The key to perfect texture is cooking the vegetables until just tender crisp. They should still have some bite rather than becoming limp or mushy.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it with the maple Dijon mixture. This creates a glossier finish that clings beautifully to every bite.
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