Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. These Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are the perfect marriage of lazy weeknight vibes and flavor that actually impresses. Think juicy, savory turkey, a creamy spicy-sweet sauce, and all the crunchy veggies you wish you always ate. If you want a quick dinner that feels fancy but is really not, you are in the right place. Oh and if you ever want a cheesy twist later, try this variation with a comforting casserole like cheesy ground beef and rice casserole 2 for inspiration.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It cooks in about 20 minutes, which means you can stop texting your friends about what to eat and just eat.
• It uses ground turkey so you get the lean, protein-packed goodness without feeling like a gym rabbit.
• The Bang Bang Sauce is the kind of condiment that makes your fridge more interesting than it has any right to be. Use it on everything.
• It is flexible. Meal prep, midnight snack, or impressing your neighbor who judges spice levels? Done.
• Honestly it is pretty idiot proof. I say that with full confidence because even when I multi-task and forget to stir, it still turns out great. Also if you like spicy vibes check out this fun riff on a stir fry with bold flavors at spicy ground beef stir fry bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil or your favorite cooking oil. Use olive oil if you are pretending to be healthy.
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced. More garlic equals more happiness.
• 2 tsp grated ginger. Fresh is best but powdered works in a pinch.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Adds warmth and drama.
• 1/2 tsp onion powder. Pantry hero.
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce low sodium. If you only have regular, use less later.
• 1 to 2 Tbsp sriracha. Adjust to your courage level.
• 2 to 3 Tb chicken broth. Adds moisture and flavor.
• 2 tsp honey. Sweet balance. Don’t skip unless you like life without honey.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt more or less to taste
• 2 tsp corn starch to thicken things up and keep it saucy-not-soupy
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Yes really. This is a creamy sauce, not a health seminar.
• 3 Tb sweet chili sauce. Sweet, sticky, saucy.
• 1/2 to 1 Tb sriracha more to kick up the spice if you dare
• 1 tsp rice vinegar to cut the richness
• 2 tsp honey again because we believe in balance and symmetry
• Rice cooked for bowls. White, brown, or whatever you hoard in your pantry.
• Shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, sesame seeds and more. Go wild. Your bowl your rules.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Bang Bang Sauce: Add all of the bang bang sauce ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Adjust flavor by adding more spice with extra sriracha or cutting it a bit with more honey or sweet chili sauce. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Over medium high heat, add a drizzle of sesame oil to a large skillet. When glistening, add the ground turkey and break into smaller pieces. When turkey is browned and reaches internal temperature of 165°F, shift heat to medium low and add in remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch.
3. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. To thicken up the mixture, sprinkle the corn starch over top and stir to combine. Just before serving, I like to stir in about 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce into the meat this is optional.
4. Assemble Rice Bowls: No rules here! Add rice, veggies and all of your favorites. Spoon the ground turkey mixture in and then drizzle bang bang sauce over top. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan and steaming the turkey instead of browning it. Brown equals flavor so give it room.
• Skipping the cornstarch step and ending up with watery meat. It is quick and worth it.
• Drowning the bowl in sauce. Yes the sauce is heavenly but a little goes a long way. Start small and add more.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust. Salt and sweet are both tiny nudges that can make or break it. Taste like you mean it.
• Using low quality sriracha and acting surprised when the spice is meh. Not all sauces are created equal.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No ground turkey? Swap in ground chicken or beef. Ground pork also works if you want a richer bowl. IMO turkey stays lighter and plays nice with the sauce.
• No mayonnaise in the sauce? Use Greek yogurt for tang and fewer calories. The texture will change but it will still be awesome.
• No fresh ginger? Use 1/2 tsp ground ginger but reduce the amount a bit to avoid overpowering.
• No sweet chili sauce? Combine extra honey and a bit of lime or rice vinegar for sweetness and tang.
• Want more veggies? Add roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. They soak up the sauce like pros.
• Gluten free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce is GF. Simple swaps, same delicious result.

You can also incorporate ideas from a comfort-food casserole path if you ever feel like converting this bowl into a baked dish like cheesy ground beef and rice casserole to feed a crowd.

FAQ

Q. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A. Yes. Cook the turkey and store sauce separately. Assemble bowls when ready. The sauce keeps flavors bright. Pro tip store rice and toppings separately to avoid soggy veggies.

Q. Can I freeze the turkey mixture?
A. Sure. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Q. Is this kid friendly?
A. Absolutely. Keep the sriracha low and serve sauce on the side. Kids can load up their bowls however they like.

Q. Can I use lettuce instead of rice for a low carb option?
A. Yes. Romaine or butter lettuce makes a crunchy, lettuce wrap style bowl. Same tasty filling fewer carbs.

Q. How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?
A. That depends on your soul. Start with the lower sriracha amount and taste. Add more if you like to sweat elegantly.

Q. Any tips for making it look Instagram worthy?
A. Neat piles, bright veggies, and a drizzle pattern for the sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions last. Little details go far.

Q. Can I double the recipe?
A. Yes, doubles well. Use a bigger pan and keep an eye on seasoning as quantities change flavor dynamics.

Final Thoughts

You just made dinner that is fast, flavorful, and flexes both for solo nights and feeding friends. This recipe takes minimal effort but delivers big on texture and taste. Do not underestimate the power of a good sauce. It is the chef level-up move that turns simple ingredients into something you brag about.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You earned it. FYI this also works great for leftovers on day two when everything has had time to marry and glow.

Conclusion

If you want a similar recipe with quick prep and big flavor inspiration, check out 20 Minute Ground Turkey Bang Bang Rice Bowls | Lemons & Zest for another tasty take on this vibe.

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for Ground Turkey Rice Bowls topped with a creamy spicy-sweet Bang Bang Sauce, perfect for lazy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil or your favorite cooking oil
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 to 2 Tbsp sriracha
• 2 to 3 Tb chicken broth
• 2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 Tb sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 to 1 Tb sriracha
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp honey
• Rice cooked for bowls
• Shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prep Bang Bang Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well. Adjust flavor as necessary and chill until ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground turkey until browned, then reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining ingredients (except cornstarch).
3. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Assemble Rice Bowls: Layer rice, veggies, and the ground turkey mixture in bowls. Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

Notes

This recipe is flexible for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Use preferred vegetables and adjust spiciness as desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: ground turkey, rice bowls, Bang Bang sauce, quick dinner, meal prep, easy recipe