Sausage Stir Fry
Sausage Stir Fry is a easy Japanese-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kitchen Ken on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $16.33 total, $4.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Turkey Sausage (sliced into 1/4‑inch rounds; preferably pre‑cooked)
- 12 oz Mixed Stir‑Fry Vegetables (frozen bag (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas, corn))
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, sliced into strips)
- 1 medium Onion (sliced thin)
- 1/3 cup Teriyaki Sauce (store‑bought, low‑sodium if possible)
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil such as canola or grapeseed)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced (optional))
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated (optional))
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Slice the turkey sausage into 1/4‑inch rounds, slice the bell pepper into strips, thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic and grate the ginger (if using). Measure out the teriyaki sauce.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil
Add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Crisp the Sausage
Add the sliced turkey sausage in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and slightly crispy, about 6‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium-high
Set Sausage Aside
Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside while you stir‑fry the vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Aromatics
Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the same skillet. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high
Add Mixed Vegetables
Pour in the frozen mixed vegetables. Continue stir‑frying for 4‑5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are heated through but still crisp‑tender.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Combine Sausage and Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the ingredients and thicken slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Serve
Transfer the stir‑fry to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free, Contains Soy, Contains Wheat
Allergens: Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Turkey Sausage: Chicken sausage, Pork sausage
- Instead of Mixed Stir‑Fry Vegetables: Fresh broccoli florets, Fresh sliced carrots, Fresh snow peas
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Red pepper, Yellow pepper, Poblano
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Teriyaki Sauce: Homemade teriyaki sauce, Soy‑ginger glaze
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1/4 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Tongs
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crisp the sausage without burning it
- Do not overcook the mixed vegetables; they should stay crisp‑tender
- Allow the teriyaki sauce to coat and thicken for a glossy finish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wok for the best high‑heat sear; if you only have a skillet, pre‑heat it well before adding oil
- Add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds at the end for nutty flavor
- Serve over jasmine rice or soba noodles for a complete meal
Troubleshooting
Sausage is soggy instead of crispy
Pat the sausage dry before cooking and avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Vegetables are mushy
Stir‑fry on high heat and remove the veggies as soon as they are tender‑crisp; avoid over‑cooking.
Sauce is too thin
Let the stir‑fry cook uncovered for an extra minute to reduce, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑slice the sausage and vegetables and store them in zip‑top bags
- Measure out the teriyaki sauce in a small container
- The dish can be reheated in a skillet; add a splash of water to loosen the sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stir‑fry dishes in Japanese‑American cuisine?
Stir‑frying was introduced to the United States by Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century, adapting traditional wok techniques to Western kitchens. Over time, the method merged with American convenience foods, creating quick, flavorful dishes like teriyaki stir‑fries that blend Japanese sauces with locally available proteins.
How does the traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce differ from the store‑bought version used in this Teriyaki Turkey Sausage Stir‑Fry?
Traditional teriyaki sauce is made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, simmered to a glossy glaze. Store‑bought sauces often contain additional preservatives, corn syrup, and thickening agents, making them sweeter and thicker, which is why they work well for lazy‑day recipes.
What regional variations of sausage‑based stir‑fries exist within Japanese or broader Asian cuisines?
In Japan, pork or chicken sausage is sometimes added to yakisoba or okonomiyaki. In Korean cuisine, spicy Korean sausage (soondae) appears in stir‑fries, while Chinese Cantonese cooking may feature Chinese lap cheong (sweet pork sausage) with vegetables and soy‑based sauces.
What occasions or celebrations is a quick teriyaki stir‑fry like this traditionally associated with in American households?
This type of quick stir‑fry is popular for weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings, and potluck contributions because it can be prepared in under 40 minutes and feeds a crowd without elaborate preparation.
What other Japanese‑American side dishes pair well with Teriyaki Turkey Sausage Stir‑Fry?
Steamed jasmine or sushi rice, miso soup, pickled ginger (gari), and a simple cucumber‑sesame salad complement the savory, sweet flavors of the stir‑fry and round out the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Teriyaki Turkey Sausage Stir‑Fry?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than crisps the sausage; overcooking the mixed vegetables, which makes them mushy; and adding the teriyaki sauce too early, causing it to burn. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this Teriyaki Turkey Sausage Stir‑Fry recipe use store‑bought teriyaki sauce instead of a homemade reduction?
The video emphasizes a lazy‑day approach, so a ready‑made sauce saves time and still delivers authentic flavor. A homemade reduction would add extra steps and ingredients, which defeats the purpose of a quick weeknight meal.
Can I make the Teriyaki Turkey Sausage Stir‑Fry ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers. The cooked stir‑fry keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to revive the glaze.
What does the YouTube channel Kitchen Ken specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kitchen Ken focuses on simple, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that prioritize quick preparation, minimal ingredients, and approachable techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kitchen Ken's approach to Japanese‑American cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Kitchen Ken emphasizes lazy, one‑pan meals using store‑bought sauces and readily available proteins, whereas many Asian cooking channels often showcase traditional techniques, homemade sauces, and specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
