Name: Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or favorite cooking oil); 2-3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tsp grated ginger; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; 3 Tbsp soy sauce (low sodium); 1-2 Tbsp sriracha; 2-3 Tbsp chicken broth; 2 tsp honey; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp sea salt (more or less to taste); 2 tsp corn starch; ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce; ½-1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp honey; Cooked rice; Shredded carrots; Sliced cucumbers; Shelled edamame; Pickled onions; Avocado; Shredded cabbage; Sliced green onion; Sesame seeds

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Introduction

This Ground Turkey Rice Bowl is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines savory turkey with a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Packed with fresh veggies and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that can be customized to your liking.

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white rice at the bottom left, topped with bright green edamame beans scattered on the rice. Next to the rice and edamame is a portion of cooked ground meat covered with a creamy orange sauce, sprinkled with black sesame seeds and green chopped scallions. On the top right side of the bowl, there are thin slices of fresh cucumber with black sesame seeds, and on the far left, shredded orange carrots add a bright color contrast. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and part of a glass container filled with the same orange sauce is visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 Tbsp sesame oil (or favorite cooking oil)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
3 Tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1-2 Tbsp sriracha
2-3 Tbsp chicken broth
2 tsp honey
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
2 tsp corn starch
½ cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
½-1 Tbsp sriracha (more to kick up the spice)
1 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp honey
Rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, sesame seeds, and more for assembling

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bang Bang Sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk well and adjust the spice or sweetness to your taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the sesame oil until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Sprinkle corn starch evenly over the turkey mixture and stir to thicken the sauce. Just before serving, optionally stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble your rice bowls by layering cooked rice, your choice of fresh or pickled vegetables, and the ground turkey mixture. Drizzle with additional bang bang sauce, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or turkey mixture.
Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a low-carb option.
Swap ground turkey for chicken or pork based on your preference.
Include crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or crispy shallots for extra texture.

Storage

Store leftover ground turkey mixture and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the turkey mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Refrigerated sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with four layers placed side by side: at the bottom left, fluffy white rice with black sesame seeds sprinkled on top; next to it on the right, ground meat covered with a thick orange sauce and garnished with chopped green onions; at the bottom left edge, bright green shelled edamame beans; and in the back left a small portion of finely shredded orange carrots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is visible at the top right corner holding it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check other sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The cooked turkey mixture and bang bang sauce store well and can be portioned with fresh vegetables for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.