Introduction

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce offer a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. This dish combines savory spiced turkey with a creamy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies for a well-rounded bowl perfect for any day of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a white shallow bowl filled with a layered dish. On one side, there is a layer of fluffy white rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Next to the rice is a generous portion of ground meat covered in a creamy orange sauce, topped with sliced green onions and scattered black sesame seeds. Behind the meat, there are bright green edamame beans and sliced cucumbers, with a small amount of shredded orange carrot in the corner. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 (adjust for spice)
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, and other favorite toppings

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 until smooth. Adjust the flavor with more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. Chill until ready to use.
Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Lower heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle corn starch over the mixture and stir to thicken. Optionally, mix in about 2 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce to infuse extra flavor into the turkey.
Step 5: Assemble your rice bowls by layering cooked rice and your choice of vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, and avocado. Spoon the turkey mixture over the top and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier base.
If you prefer less spice, reduce sriracha or omit it from the turkey mixture and adjust in the bang bang sauce as needed.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra flavor dimension.

Storage

Store leftover turkey mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate for best freshness. Reheat the turkey gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling new bowls. Add fresh veggies when serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains a colorful dish with five main layers arranged next to each other: shredded bright orange carrots on the top left, round slices of fresh green cucumber with black sesame seeds on the top right, a pile of green edamame on the middle left, white rice at the bottom left, and crumbled cooked meat at the bottom right covered with a creamy light orange sauce. The sauce is topped with chopped green onions and sprinkled black sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the bang bang sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time when assembling your bowls.

What can I use instead of corn starch to thicken the turkey mixture?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Mix either with a little water before adding to avoid lumps.