Why Make This Recipe
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fantastic option for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. They combine lean ground turkey with a delightful sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy nights. Plus, it offers a balanced meal with protein and carbs, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1½ tablespoons sriracha
4 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Cooked white or brown rice
Chopped green onions (optional)
Sesame seeds or shredded carrots (optional garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Prepare your white or brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground turkey, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Step 4: Add Sauce & Thicken
Pour the chicken broth and low-sodium soy sauce into the skillet with the ground turkey. Stir well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, place a portion of the cooked rice and top it with the seasoned ground turkey. Drizzle with the Bang Bang Sauce and add your choice of garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or shredded carrots.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Serve your Ground Turkey Rice Bowls warm. You can add extra toppings like sliced avocado or additional veggies for more texture and flavor. These bowls make a delightful dinner and can also be packed for lunch the next day!
How to Store Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
You can store leftover turkey and rice in airtight containers in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days. If you’ve made extra sauce, store it separately for the best flavor retention. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- For added crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or cucumbers to the bowls.
- If you enjoy spice, adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce to suit your taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the ground turkey to keep it tender and juicy.
Variation
You can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different taste. Serve the dish with quinoa or a salad instead of rice for a healthier twist.
FAQs
Can I freeze these rice bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground turkey and rice. Just make sure to keep them in separate containers for the best quality when frozen.
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds or shredded carrots (optional garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1½ tablespoons sriracha
- 4 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Rice
- Prepare your white or brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
Brown the Ground Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Then, add the ground turkey, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Sauce & Thicken
- Pour the chicken broth and low-sodium soy sauce into the skillet with the ground turkey.
- Stir well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
Assemble the Bowls
- In each bowl, place a portion of the cooked rice and top it with the seasoned ground turkey.
- Drizzle with the Bang Bang Sauce and add your choice of garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or shredded carrots.