Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Bang Bang

Dinner on busy nights often needs to be fast but never boring This ground turkey rice bowl with bang bang sauce does both Boldly seasoned turkey is browned until all those little crispy bits appear then tossed with a creamy spicy tangy sauce and served over fluffy rice with a rainbow of toppings It is equal parts practical and delicious and one of those meals my whole family devours without complaint

The first night I made this I was looking for a new way to get my son to eat ground turkey By the end of the meal he was using his finger to scoop up the last bit of sauce It is now a go to for hectic weekday dinners

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Choose lean or regular based on your preference It soaks up the seasoning and stays juicy
• Sesame oil: Gives a nutty warmth and authentic finish Toasted is best but any cooking oil works
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced or grated these are the base of flavor Bright sharp and aromatic
• Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth Make sure to use smoked not regular for that extra boost
• Onion powder: Rounds out savory flavor A good option when you do not want to dice onions
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness Look for brands with short ingredient lists
• Sriracha: Brings the heat Use to taste depending on your spice preference Authentic versions have more chili flavor less sugar
• Chicken broth: Loosens and enriches the meat mixture Use homemade or choose low sodium for better control
• Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the spice and salt Local honey will add the most complexity
• Black pepper and sea salt: Both lift all the other flavors Use freshly cracked pepper and flaky salt for best results
• Corn starch: Thickens the turkey mixture for a saucy finish Mix it in well so there are no lumps
• Mayonnaise: Creamy backbone Use real mayo for the richest taste
• Sweet chili sauce: Gives both sweetness and a hint of tartness Look for Thai brands in the Asian section
• More sriracha: Optional for extra kick Adjust to your liking
• Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness Choose unseasoned so you can control sugar and salt
• Additional honey: Balances everything and tames the spice again local is best
• Fluffy white or brown rice: Cooks up fast and soaks up all the sauces Choose your favorite
• Shredded carrots, cucumber, edamame, pickled onions, avocado, cabbage, green onion, sesame seeds: Pick a mix based on texture crunch and whatever you have handy Fresh and crisp veggies pop against the hearty base

How to Make It

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine the mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha rice vinegar and honey in a small bowl Whisk until smooth and uniform Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness Refrigerate to let flavors meld while you make the rest

Brown the Turkey:

Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high until shimmering Add ground turkey and break up with a spatula Sauté until meat is browned and cooked through reaching 165F for safety This step builds that essential meaty flavor

Layer in Aromatics and Seasoning:

Turn heat down to medium low Stir in minced garlic grated ginger smoked paprika onion powder soy sauce sriracha broth honey black pepper and sea salt Cook together for a few minutes so flavors meld

Thicken the Turkey Mixture:

Sprinkle corn starch evenly over the meat mixture Stir well so it dissolves and the juices start to thicken Leave just until slightly glossy and saucy

Boost the Flavor:

Stir in a few spoonfuls of bang bang sauce directly into the meat mixture just before serving This adds even more punchy flavor and creaminess Do not skip this if you want maximum taste

Assemble the Rice Bowls:

Pile hot cooked rice into serving bowls Top with generous spoonfuls of the ground turkey mixture Arrange your favorite fresh veggies pickled onions or avocado around the edge Drizzle with extra bang bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds

My favorite part of this recipe is the bang bang sauce It is just the right combination of creamy spicy sweet and tangy Watching my family drizzle extra on their bowls makes me laugh because no matter how much I serve there is never any left I think that is the sign of a weeknight winner

Flavor Boosters

Leftover turkey mixture should be kept separate from the rice and veggies Stash in airtight containers and refrigerate for about four days The sauce can be kept in a small jar or covered bowl in the fridge for a week If you freeze the turkey mixture try to do it after mixing with a couple tablespoons of the sauce so it stays moist Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out

Serving Suggestions

Put out all the toppings so everyone can build their own Send these as meal prep lunches divide bowls and keep sauce on the side For a fun twist serve the turkey and veggies in lettuce wraps for a low carb option

Creative Twists

This recipe is inspired by quick Asian fusion rice bowls but is not meant to be a traditional dish In spring add snap peas or radish for crunch In summer try fresh corn or bell pepper In fall and winter use shredded Brussels sprouts or kale for extra earthiness

Friends tell me they have started making double batches freezing half for later It is become a favorite for sports practice nights since kids love assembling their own bowls Even picky eaters often come back for seconds or at least clean up the last bit of that sauce

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead?

Yes, bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What vegetables work best in these bowls?

Shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, pickled onions, and avocado are all delicious choices for extra crunch and color.

→ How spicy is the final dish?

The spice can be adjusted easily by adding more or less sriracha in both the turkey mixture and the sauce.

→ Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store components separately and assemble bowls when ready to eat for a fresh result.

→ What rice should I use?

Both white and brown rice work well, or try jasmine or cauliflower rice for a twist.

→ Is it possible to freeze the turkey mixture?

Yes, the cooked ground turkey can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.