Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a delicious and colorful meal that’s super easy to put together. The bowls are packed with flavorful ground turkey, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings everything to life. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with a bit of a kick.
I love making these bowls because they’re perfect for busy weeknights. The ground turkey cooks quickly and pairs really well with the tangy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. I usually toss in some crunchy veggies like cucumber or shredded carrot for extra freshness. Plus, the recipe is very customizable depending on what you have on hand.
My favorite way to serve these is with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors even more. They’re great served warm but also taste wonderful cold, so keeping leftovers for lunch the next day is always a win. These bowls quickly became a family favorite in our house because the flavors are bold but not overwhelming, and everyone enjoys the spicy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and keeps bowls light. You can swap turkey for ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different flavor or fattier option.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant, fluffy base. Brown rice works too for more fiber, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice, this sauce balances creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayo.
Veggies & Herbs: Onions, garlic, green onions, and cilantro bring freshness. Parsley is a good substitute for cilantro if you aren’t a fan.
How Can I Get the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce Every Time?
To make a smooth, balanced bang bang sauce:
- Mix mayo and sweet chili sauce first for a creamy, sweet base.
- Add sriracha gradually—start with less and add more to control spice level.
- Finish with lime juice for brightness and a bit of tang.
- Taste as you go and adjust any component to keep the sauce just right for you.
Making the sauce ahead lets flavors meld, giving an even better taste on your bowls!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Turkey for this Dish?
To keep turkey juicy and flavorful:
- Heat oil on medium-high and soften onions first to add sweetness.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook briefly to release their aroma.
- Break the ground turkey into small pieces in the pan and avoid overcrowding for even browning.
- Stir in soy sauce and seasonings near the end to deepen flavor without drying the meat.
- Cook just until no longer pink to prevent toughness.
This technique keeps your turkey tender and well-seasoned.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly and browning it well.
- Medium saucepan or rice cooker – to cook your rice fluffy without sticky mess.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the bang bang sauce until smooth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, green onions, and herbs safely and quickly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the sauce and seasoning amounts just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean pork to change the flavor while keeping it light.
- Add steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Top bowls with shredded cheese or crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Mix in fresh herbs like mint or basil instead of cilantro for a different herbal note.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or fresh grated)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Optional:
- Soft boiled or fried eggs (1 per bowl)
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total—15 minutes to cook the rice and turkey, 5 minutes to prepare the sauce and optional eggs, plus a few minutes to assemble the bowls. It’s a quick, fresh meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Follow the package instructions (usually 1 cup rice to 2 cups water) to cook the rice. When done, fluff it with a fork and keep it warm.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your preferred heat. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ground ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine. Let cook another minute, then remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Eggs (Optional):
If you want eggs in your bowl, cook them to your liking. Soft boiled eggs with runny yolks are a great match for this dish, but fried eggs work well too.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top each with the cooked ground turkey mixture. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce.
Scatter chopped green onions and cilantro (or parsley) over the top. Add an egg to each bowl, if using.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, if you like. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over everything for a bright, fresh touch.
Enjoy your flavorful, comforting Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a squeeze of lime or a splash of water to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve Instead of Rice?
If you prefer, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Both will soak up the bang bang sauce nicely and complement the flavors.
