If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying, and easy meal, Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a perfect choice. These bowls combine tender ground turkey with a sweet and spicy sauce, paired with fresh veggies and fluffy rice. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still being flavorful enough to impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are easy to find.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
- Customizable: Dress it up with your favorite toppings and modifications.
- Family-Friendly: A fun meal that kids can help assemble!
These rice bowls stand out with their creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce, which enhances the flavor of the turkey and makes every bite burst with satisfaction.
Ingredients Needed
For the Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 2-3 Tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½-1 Tbsp sriracha (for extra heat)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
For Assembly:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shelled edamame
- Pickled onions
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
- Any other favorite toppings!
How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. Whisk everything together until smooth and well mixed. Taste and adjust the flavor with more sriracha for spice or extra honey for sweetness. Set aside in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and glistening, add the ground turkey and break it into smaller pieces using a spatula. Cook until browned and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Seasonings and Thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and mix in minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. To thicken the mixture, sprinkle the cornstarch over the turkey and mix well until combined.
- Combine and Serve: Just before serving, you can stir in about 2 tablespoons of the Bang Bang Sauce into the turkey mixture for extra flavor, although this step is optional.
- Assemble the Rice Bowls: Start with a base of rice in each bowl, then add the ground turkey mixture and heap on your favorite veggies and toppings. Finish with a generous drizzle of the Bang Bang Sauce and a sprinkle of sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve, present the rice bowls with a variety of colorful toppings for a vibrant, appetizing look. Add a lime wedge on the side for some zesty freshness.
For storage, store the turkey mixture and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep the assembled bowls separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the veggies.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier twist, add more sriracha or include sliced jalapeños as a topping.
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey if you prefer.
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a delightful dish that combines health, taste, and convenience. Whip this up for your next dinner and enjoy a meal that satisfies your cravings without any fuss. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating. Share your delicious creations on social media, and let us know what toppings you experimented with!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey. Both options will yield a delicious meal!
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce for the Bang Bang Sauce and in the turkey mixture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the ground turkey mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How thick should the Bang Bang Sauce be?
The sauce should have a creamy consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust with more mayo or chili sauce if needed.
Feel free to experiment and make it your own! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
Delicious ground turkey rice bowls topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce, perfect for a quick and customizable weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1–2 Tbsp sriracha
- 2–3 Tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½–1 Tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- Cooked rice
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shelled edamame
- Pickled onions
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic, ginger, paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the turkey mixture and mix well until thickened.
- For extra flavor, stir in a couple tablespoons of Bang Bang Sauce just before serving.
- Assemble the rice bowls with a base of rice, followed by the turkey mixture, topped with veggies and a drizzle of Bang Bang Sauce.
Notes
Serve with lime wedges for added freshness. Customize toppings as per season or preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg