This Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. It pairs savory browned turkey and crisp vegetables with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. The bowl looks bright with green onions on top and smells of garlic and soy. If you like easy, family-friendly dinners or recipes for quick weeknights, you might also enjoy this crispy baked fish sticks with tartar sauce for another simple meal idea.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 550 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Why Make This Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
This dish cooks fast and fills you up. The turkey browns and gives a warm, savory base. Mixed vegetables add crunch and color. The Bang Bang Sauce is creamy, tangy, and has a kick of heat. It brightens every bite and makes plain rice taste exciting. This bowl is simple to customize and perfect for leftovers.
How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
You will brown the turkey, cook the vegetables briefly, mix a quick sauce, and assemble bowls. The whole meal comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s a good recipe for busy nights and for feeding a family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Start by chopping the green onions and any large vegetables into bite-size pieces. Measure out the soy sauce, oil, and ingredients for the sauce. Have 2 cups of cooked rice ready and warm. This keeps the cook step quick and smooth.
Step 2: Mixing
Make the Bang Bang Sauce by combining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (use 1 for mild heat, 2 for spicy), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.
Step 3: Cooking
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and the mixed vegetables. Cook another 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Finishing
Divide the warm cooked rice among four bowls. Spoon the turkey and vegetable mixture over the rice. Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over each bowl. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, tangy, spicy flavors.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Serve these bowls hot for dinner. Add a squeeze of lime for a bright kick. Offer extra sriracha or sesame oil for diners who want more heat or nuttiness. For a fun family meal, set toppings on the table—cucumber slices, sesame seeds, avocado, or pickled carrots work well. The bowl also pairs nicely with a simple side salad or steamed edamame.
How to Store Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Refrigerator: Store turkey mixture and Bang Bang Sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep rice in its own container for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze the turkey mixture (not the rice or sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the turkey mixture in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Warm rice in the microwave with a splash of water, covered, for 1–2 minutes. Add sauce just before serving to keep it creamy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Use lean ground turkey to reduce grease. Drain any excess liquid after browning if needed.
- Cook vegetables until just tender to keep some crunch and color. Overcooked veggies lose texture.
- Taste as you go. Soy sauce and sriracha vary in salt and heat—adjust amounts to your preference.
- Make the sauce milder by using 1 tablespoon sriracha or swap for chili garlic sauce for a different flavor.
- For extra flavor, stir in a clove of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon grated ginger when browning the turkey.
- Warm bowls help keep the rice and sauce tasty—preheat serving bowls in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Delicious Variations
- Teriyaki Twist: Replace soy sauce with 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Low-Fat Version: Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the Bang Bang Sauce. Reduce mayo to 1/3 cup and add 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt.
- Greens Boost: Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end of cooking until wilted.
- Asian-Inspired Swap: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, lean pork, or cooked shrimp instead of ground turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Stir before using. Keep it separate from the hot turkey to preserve texture.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Cook turkey and rice ahead and store in separate containers. Assemble bowls and add sauce when ready to eat. The turkey keeps 3 days in the fridge.
Q: How spicy will the bowls be?
A: Heat depends on the sriracha amount. Use 1 tablespoon for mild heat or 2 for spicier bowls. You can also omit sriracha for no heat.
Q: Can I use brown rice or another grain?
A: Yes. Brown rice, quinoa, or farro all work. Cook grains according to package directions before assembling.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from getting soggy?
A: Keep rice separate from turkey and sauce until serving. Reheat rice with a splash of water and keep it covered for even steam.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded cabbage all fit well. Add harder vegetables earlier and quick-cooking ones later.
Conclusion
Give these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce a try when you want a fast, tasty meal that feels special. For a similar quick bowl idea and extra inspiration, check out this 20 Minute Ground Turkey Bang Bang Rice Bowls | Lemons & Zest. Enjoy the contrast of savory turkey, crisp vegetables, and the creamy, spicy sauce—it’s a simple bowl that hits all the right notes.
Print
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring savory browned turkey, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, sweet-spicy Bang Bang Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Start by chopping the green onions and any large vegetables into bite-size pieces. Measure out the soy sauce, oil, and ingredients for the sauce. Have 2 cups of cooked rice ready and warm.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce by combining mayonnaise, sriracha (use 1 for mild heat, 2 for spicy), honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and mixed vegetables. Cook another 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Divide the warm cooked rice among four bowls. Spoon the turkey and vegetable mixture over the rice. Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over each bowl. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Customize with additional toppings like cucumber slices or sesame seeds. Try using different vegetables or protein options for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
