Name: Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 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, more to taste; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp honey; Cooked rice; Shredded carrots; Sliced cucumbers; Shelled edamame; Pickled onions; Avocado; Shredded cabbage; Sliced green onion; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 74 reviews

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If you’re craving a quick, comforting, and seriously flavorful dinner, the Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish combines perfectly seasoned ground turkey, infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of smoky paprika, all tossed in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that wakes up every bite. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with fresh, vibrant veggies, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels special and satisfying without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat in a gray pan placed on a white marbled surface. The meat forms a rough base layer of uneven, chunky bits in pale brown color. On top, in the middle, there is a small mound of deep red chili powder mixed with some darker spices, creating a textured, slightly coarse layer. The pan's shiny silver handle is visible at the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in delivering that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the juicy seasoned ground turkey to the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, everything comes together beautifully and simply.

1 lb ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, ground turkey is the heart of the bowl, offering a mild canvas for bold flavors.
1 Tbsp sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the turkey’s savoriness during cooking.
2-3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives the meat mixture an irresistible punch of freshness and depth.
2 tsp grated ginger: Brings a warm, zingy brightness that wakes up the palate.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smokiness that adds complexity to the dish.
½ tsp onion powder: Boosts umami flavor subtly without overpowering.
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Infuses a salty, savory richness while keeping sodium in check.
1-2 Tbsp sriracha: A spicy kick that you can adjust to taste for your preferred heat level.
2-3 Tbsp chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist and helps distribute the sauce flavors evenly.
2 tsp honey: Balances heat with a touch of natural sweetness that ties everything together.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
½ tsp sea salt: Enhances the flavors naturally—adjust to your liking.
2 tsp corn starch: Thickens the turkey mixture to a luscious, sauce-coated finish.
½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of your homemade bang bang sauce, rich and indulgent.
3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce: Introduces sweetness and just the right amount of tang.
½-1 Tbsp sriracha (for bang bang sauce): Splashes more heat into the sauce to amp up the excitement.
1 tsp rice vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens the bang bang sauce with a gentle zing.
2 tsp honey (for bang bang sauce): Harmonizes flavors with a mild sweetness that tempers the spice.
Rice and fresh veggies: Think shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, and sesame seeds to add vibrant color, freshness, and crunch.

How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining all the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them together until silky smooth. This sauce is the magic wand of the recipe—it’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. Feel free to adjust the sriracha and honey until it hits the perfect balance for your taste buds. Chill it while you cook everything else to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with your spatula. Let it brown evenly, absorbing all those aromatic hints from the garlic and ginger. Once the turkey is properly cooked through, lower the heat and stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Simmer gently for a few minutes, letting these ingredients deepen in flavor and marry well.

Step 3: Thicken and Finish

Sprinkle the corn starch over the turkey mixture to give it that perfect glaze and thick texture. Stir well so each morsel of turkey is coated with a glossy sauce. If you want to go the extra mile, you can fold in a couple of tablespoons of the bang bang sauce directly into the meat—it adds an extra layer of luscious flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls

Now comes the fun part where no rules apply! Spoon fluffy white rice into your bowls, and pile on shredded carrots, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and all your favorite fixings. Next, add a generous scoop of the saucy ground turkey mixture and finish off with a generous drizzle of the bang bang sauce on top. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that satisfying final flourish.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

The dish is served in a white bowl with a white marbled texture underneath, showing four main layers arranged side by side. On the bottom left, there is a layer of white rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Next to it, bright green edamame beans form a small mound. Above the rice and edamame, there are thin orange carrot strips. On the right side of the bowl, there is a large portion of light brown cooked ground meat covered with an orange creamy sauce. Green chopped scallions and black sesame seeds are sprinkled over the meat and sauce. On the top right, there are circular slices of dark green cucumber, also lightly topped with the same orange sauce. The image is close-up, showing detail in texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes bring that welcoming pop of freshness and texture that transforms this dish from everyday to unforgettable. Crisp sliced green onions brighten the bowls with their mild bite, while toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch. Feel free to toss on some pickled onions or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra color and zing.

Side Dishes

While these rice bowls are hearty on their own, pairing them with light and crunchy sides can make your meal even more delightful. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil complements the bold flavors perfectly. Steamed or roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of lemon zest also offers a refreshing balance to the spicy, savory turkey.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or shake things up? Serve your Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe in mini lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s fresh and crunchy. Or scoop everything into a large serving platter with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it—talk about sharing the love at the dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover turkey mixture and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the sauce from thinning out. Your leftovers will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick reheat for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked ground turkey mixture but avoid freezing the bang bang sauce as mayo-based sauces tend to separate after freezing. Pack the turkey portion tightly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat those leftovers, warm the turkey gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The bang bang sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature—give it a quick stir before drizzling over your reheated bowls for maximum freshness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and will absorb the spices and sauce just like turkey. Keep an eye on the cooking time as ground chicken can cook a bit faster.

Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?

The bang bang sauce has a nice balance of heat and sweetness. You can easily adjust the sriracha level to make it milder or spicier, depending on your preference or your family’s heat tolerance.

What type of rice is best for these bowls?

Fluffy white jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully here, but feel free to experiment with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, healthier twist.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground turkey for sautéed tofu or seasoned tempeh crumbles to keep the texture and protein while staying vegetarian-friendly. The bang bang sauce will still bring that irresistible creamy, spicy flavor.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that turns weeknight dinners into something special with minimal effort. The flavor-packed turkey, the creamy, spicy sauce, and the fresh, colorful toppings all come together in perfect harmony every time. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and feel how comforting and satisfying a simple bowl of goodness can be!

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