Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm rice, topped with savory ground turkey and drizzled with a luscious bang bang sauce. The gentle heat of sriracha melds beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise—a combination that dances across your palate, warming your heart like a familiar hug on a chilly evening. On nights when you want something easy yet satisfying, these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are just the ticket, bringing family together around the dinner table with flavors that uplift and satisfy.

Print

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Warm rice topped with savory ground turkey and drizzled with a luscious bang bang sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

  • Author: 02
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: High Protein

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or favorite cooking oil)
  • 23 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 12 Tbsp sriracha
  • 23 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
  • ½1 Tbsp sriracha (to kick up the spice)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • Rice (for serving)
  • Shredded carrots
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Shelled edamame
  • Pickled onions
  • Avocado
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Sliced green onion
  • Sesame seeds
  • Additional toppings as desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Once mixed, set aside and refrigerate.
  2. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, cooking until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Lower heat and add garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Thicken It Up: Sprinkle corn starch over the turkey mixture, stirring gently until combined. Optionally mix in 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce.
  4. Assemble Rice Bowls: Layer cooked rice in bowls, add vibrant veggies, spoon the ground turkey mixture on top, and generously drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Let the assembled bowls rest for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Enjoy it 🙂

How to Make This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 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 (to kick up the spice)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • Rice (for serving)
  • Shredded carrots
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Shelled edamame
  • Pickled onions
  • Avocado
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Sliced green onion
  • Sesame seeds
  • Additional toppings as desired

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Once mixed, set aside and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
  2. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it into pieces, and cook until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. As the turkey cooks, a delightful aroma will fill your kitchen. Lower the heat, then add garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting those flavors infuse together.
  3. Thicken It Up: Sprinkle corn starch over the turkey mixture, stirring gently until everything is well combined. If you’d like, you can also mix in 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce for an extra hit of flavor.
  4. Assemble Rice Bowls: Now it’s time for the fun part! Layer cooked rice in bowls, adding your vibrant veggies such as shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and shelled edamame. Spoon the ground turkey mixture on top, and don’t hold back on drizzling the bang bang sauce generously over everything. Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 500
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g

This meal is not just delicious; it’s packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect balance to keep your family nourished and satisfied.

Serving Ideas

Picture a cozy family dinner around the table as you serve these rice bowls. You can pass around extra toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece, which is always a hit with kids. For sides, consider some crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad to complement the meal’s richness. Pair it with ice-cold lemonade or a soothing herbal tea to enhance that comforting vibe on a chilly evening.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the ground turkey mixture for up to three months—the flavors hold up beautifully! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit dry.

Pro Tips

  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist just before serving.
  • For a deeper flavor, sauté your onions before adding them to the turkey mixture.
  • Keep an eye on the spices—feel free to adjust sriracha according to your team’s spice preference.
  • Let the assembled bowls rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld even more.
  • Use brown rice or quinoa for an added nutritional boost and lovely texture.

Flavor Variations

  • For a fall-inspired twist, add a dash of cinnamon and replace the sriracha with a mild chili sauce for a hint of warmth.
  • In summer, toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a light, vibrant touch.
  • In winter, consider adding roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes for extra heartiness and sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even tofu work beautifully in these rice bowls.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you opt for gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that all condiments are gluten-free, these rice bowls can easily fit a gluten-free diet.

What can I add for more crunch?

Consider topping with crispy fried onions, crushed peanuts, or even roasted seeds for an added crunch factor in each bite.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more sriracha to your turkey mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes directly into your bowl for an extra kick!