If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that fits right into your busy weeknight schedule, look no further than these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce. Bursting with flavor, these bowls combine the hearty goodness of ground turkey with a zesty bang bang sauce that offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize each bowl with your favorite toppings, ranging from crisp veggies to creamy avocado slices. These rice bowls promise satisfaction in every bite, making them a fantastic choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
The star attraction of this dish is undoubtedly the bang bang sauce, which complements the savory turkey perfectly. It’s a simple yet delicious sauce that you can adjust according to your taste preferences—add more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness. This flexibility makes these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls an exciting dish that never gets old. Whether you enjoy them as a comforting family meal or a nutritious lunch at work, these bowls stand out with their vibrant flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this recipe!
- Quick Preparation: Ideal for those busy evenings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Endless Customization: Personalize your bowls with a range of toppings that suit everyone’s taste.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from turkey and fresh vegetables that offer vitamins and minerals.
- Flavor Explosion: The spicy-sweet bang bang sauce elevates the dish and keeps you coming back for more.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space. Start by gathering all the ingredients so everything is within arm’s reach. You will need a medium-sized skillet or pan for cooking the turkey mixture and a mixing bowl for whisking together the bang bang sauce. Make sure you have a whisk or fork on hand for mixing the sauce well. It’s also helpful to have measuring spoons and cups at your disposal to ensure accurate ingredient quantities, especially when making adjustments to the spicy or sweet elements of the dish. Lay out all your chosen toppings and have your rice ready to go, whether you’re using white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or other 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
- 2–3 Tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½–1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Shredded carrots (for topping)
- Sliced cucumbers (for topping)
- Shelled edamame (for topping)
- Pickled onions (for topping)
- Avocado slices (for topping)
- Shredded cabbage (for topping)
- Sliced green onions (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by creating the bang bang sauce, which is the heart of your rice bowls. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha or sweetness with additional honey. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the turkey mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and utilize a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the turkey is ready, lower the heat to medium-low and add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Thicken the Mixture
To give the turkey mixture a perfect texture, sprinkle the cornstarch over the simmering turkey and stir to combine. This will help create a thicker sauce that coats the turkey nicely. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of the reserved bang bang sauce into the mixture before removing it from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
It’s time to build your rice bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice in your chosen serving bowls. Next, layer on your favorite vegetables such as shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and shelled edamame. Top each bowl generously with the turkey mixture, and then drizzle the chilled bang bang sauce over the top. For an appealing finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions as garnishes. Serve right away and enjoy your delightful creation!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or even corn for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Spices: Mix in extra spices such as cumin or chili powder to enhance the flavor profile to your liking.
Cooking Notes
- To keep the dish light, opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water to the turkey mixture.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding vegetables directly to the skillet with the ground turkey.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these rice bowls with a side of spring rolls for an Asian-inspired meal.
- A light salad topped with sesame dressing complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
Tips
- Prepare the turkey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for easy meal prepping.
- Experiment with different sauces; a peanut or teriyaki sauce could work wonderfully as a substitute.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30 grams
- Sodium: 700 mg
FAQs
Can I make the bang bang sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use other meats besides turkey?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.
What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
White rice, brown rice, basmati, or jasmine rice all work well. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs.
Can I freeze the turkey mixture?
Yes, the turkey mixture freezes well. Store it in airtight containers, and it can be reheated when ready to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please anyone at your table. With their quick preparation and customizable ingredients, you can easily cater to individual tastes and dietary preferences, making them a superb choice for a family dinner or meal prep. Experiment with different toppings and enjoy the versatility of this dish! We would love to hear your experiences with this recipe, so if you try it out, be sure to leave a comment below or share your variations with us!
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Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or other 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
- 2–3 Tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½–1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Shredded carrots (for topping)
- Sliced cucumbers (for topping)
- Shelled edamame (for topping)
- Pickled onions (for topping)
- Avocado slices (for topping)
- Shredded cabbage (for topping)
- Sliced green onions (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by creating the bang bang sauce, which is the heart of your rice bowls. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha or sweetness with additional honey. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the turkey mixture.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and utilize a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the turkey is ready, lower the heat to medium-low and add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- To give the turkey mixture a perfect texture, sprinkle the cornstarch over the simmering turkey and stir to combine. This will help create a thicker sauce that coats the turkey nicely. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of the reserved bang bang sauce into the mixture before removing it from heat.
- It’s time to build your rice bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice in your chosen serving bowls. Next, layer on your favorite vegetables such as shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and shelled edamame. Top each bowl generously with the turkey mixture, and then drizzle the chilled bang bang sauce over the top. For an appealing finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions as garnishes. Serve right away and enjoy your delightful creation!
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 30 g