Ground turkey rice bowls with bang bang sauce are one of those recipes that changed my weeknight routine for good. The combination of savory seasoned meat and creamy, spicy sauce transforms simple rice bowls into something the whole family asks for on repeat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
I always start by gathering my ingredients before I begin cooking, which makes the whole process flow more smoothly on busy weeknights. For the turkey mixture, using 93/7 lean ground turkey gives you the best balance of flavor without excess grease.
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best in my kitchen)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference here)
- 2 tsp grated ginger (keep pre-grated ginger in the freezer for quick weeknight cooking)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (low sodium lets you control the saltiness better)
- 1-2 Tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 2-3 Tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
- 2 tsp corn starch (for thickening the sauce)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo adds extra richness if you have it)
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1/2-1 Tbsp sriracha (start with less if serving kids)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
Rice Bowl Toppings:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice all work – note: you’ll need about 3 cups cooked rice ready before starting)
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shelled edamame
- Pickled onions (these add the perfect tangy contrast)
- Avocado
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the sauce first gives the flavors time to blend while you cook the turkey, and it’s one less thing to worry about during the final assembly.
Step 1: Whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha or balancing with extra honey. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the meal.
Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it glistens and easily coats the pan when tilted. Add ground turkey and break it into small, bite-sized crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the turkey develops light golden-brown edges. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat all the turkey with the seasonings. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Sprinkle corn starch evenly over the turkey mixture and stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the meat nicely. For an extra flavor boost, stir in 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce directly into the meat just before serving – this adds creaminess and makes every bite more indulgent.
Step 5: Assemble your bowls by starting with a base of warm rice, then adding your choice of vegetables and toppings. Spoon the seasoned turkey mixture over everything and finish with a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch.
Perfect Pairings for Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
These rice bowls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with fresh, crunchy vegetables that complement the creamy sauce and savory turkey.
Asian Cucumber Salad: The cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar provide a refreshing contrast to the rich bang bang sauce and create perfect textural balance in every bite.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra carbs on the side, these flavorful noodles work wonderfully alongside the turkey bowls.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutritional value and a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the bold seasonings in the turkey, plus it soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup on the side creates a complete Asian-inspired meal and adds comforting warmth, especially during cooler months.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: For variation, this related bowl recipe offers a different protein option with similar assembly-style ease.
Seaweed Salad: This light, mineral-rich side brings authentic Asian flavors to the table and adds another layer of umami that enhances the overall meal experience.
Crispy Wontons: For a fun, crunchy element that kids especially love, crispy wontons add textural variety and can be used to scoop up extra sauce.
Storing and Reheating Your Turkey Bowls
Store the turkey mixture and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked turkey will stay fresh for 3-4 days, while the sauce keeps for up to a week. Storing toppings separately maintains their texture and crispness.
For reheating, warm the turkey in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or soy sauce to restore moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round. The sauce tastes best at room temperature, so pull it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.
The turkey mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into individual servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals. Tossing the turkey with some bang bang sauce before freezing adds even more flavor when you reheat it.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe and will give you similar results. The cooking time and seasonings remain the same.
How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?
Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in both the turkey mixture and the sauce. You can serve extra sriracha on the side for adults who want more heat.
What’s the best rice to use for these bowls?
White jasmine rice is ideal for its fluffy texture and subtle flavor, but brown rice, sushi rice, or even cauliflower rice all work wonderfully depending on your dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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 heat and add in remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch.
- Simmer for 2-3 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).
- 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.
