Why Make This Recipe

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce is a fantastic meal option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish. Made with lean ground turkey and topped with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, these rice bowls are customizable with your favorite veggies. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

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!

Directions:

Prep Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the bang bang sauce. Whisk them well to combine. Adjust the flavor by adding more sriracha for spice or cutting it with extra honey or sweet chili sauce. Chill until ready to serve.
Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s glistening, add the ground turkey and break it into smaller pieces. Cook until the turkey is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Lower the heat to medium-low and add in the remaining ingredients, except for the cornstarch. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the turkey mixture and stir to combine. Just before serving, consider stirring in about 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce into the meat for extra flavor (this step is optional).
Assemble Rice Bowls: There are no rules here! Start with rice as the base, add your favorite veggies, then spoon the ground turkey mixture on top. Drizzle more bang bang sauce over everything and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Serve these rice bowls immediately while they’re warm. You can present everything in individual bowls, allowing everyone to customize their own creation. Pair with extra bang bang sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!

How to Store Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can be kept for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Feel free to mix and match the veggies based on your preferences.
Make a larger batch of the bang bang sauce to keep in the fridge for other meals.

Variation

You can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The spices and bang bang sauce will still work wonderfully!

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of ground turkey?

Yes! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Is the bang bang sauce spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted depending on how much sriracha you add. Feel free to start with less and taste it before adding more.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ground turkey mixture and the sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat!