Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a tasty, filling dish that brings together juicy, spiced ground turkey served over fluffy rice with a creamy, spicy sauce that really wakes up your taste buds. The bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of kick and a little bit of sweetness, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
I love making this dish because it comes together quickly and is perfect when I want something hearty but not too heavy. Using ground turkey keeps it light, and mixing up the bang bang sauce is a fun way to add some flair without too much effort. It’s one of those meals where you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience, which I really appreciate on busy days.
One of my favorite ways to serve these bowls is with a handful of fresh veggies like chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, or crunchy bell peppers to add some freshness and crunch. It’s simple to put together, and everyone in my family can build their bowl just the way they like it. Plus, leftovers make a great lunch the next day, so it’s always a win in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein keeps the dish light and healthy. You can swap it for ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you want a richer flavor. I like turkey for its subtle taste that soaks up spices well.
Rice: Jasmine or sushi rice adds a soft, sticky texture perfect for bowls. Brown rice works too for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber but takes longer to cook. Quinoa is also a good gluten-free option.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar, it’s creamy with a spicy kick. If you need it dairy-free, try a vegan mayo or Greek yogurt instead. Adjust the sriracha to control the heat level.
Vegetables: Carrots, jalapeños, and green onions add freshness and crunch. Feel free to add bell peppers or cucumbers if you like. You can skip jalapeños if you prefer milder heat.
How Do I Cook Ground Turkey So It’s Flavorful and Not Dry?
Ground turkey is lean and can dry out quickly, so these steps help keep it juicy and tasty:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, then add garlic and the white part of green onions for flavor.
- Add the turkey in one layer and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a slight brown crust.
- Break it up and stir, cooking until no pink remains but not overcooking.
- Season with soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, honey, ginger, and chili flakes to boost flavor and keep it moist.
- Cook a few more minutes so the sauce coats the meat well, creating a tasty glaze.
Patience and seasoning make all the difference in juicy, flavorful turkey!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly without crowding the pan.
- Medium saucepan – helps you cook the rice just right without sticking or burning.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring and breaking up the turkey easy without scratching your pan.
- Small bowl – great for mixing the bang bang sauce smoothly before drizzling.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping veggies and slicing lime wedges quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork to change up the flavor and richness.
- Add roasted or steamed broccoli for a boost of color and nutrition that pairs nicely with the sauce.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy twist that balances the spice.
- Top with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
For The Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (green parts separated from white parts)
- 1 lime, quartered
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so around 35 minutes total. This includes cooking the rice, preparing the flavorful turkey mixture, and making the tasty bang bang sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until it runs clear. Place the rice and water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After the water has been absorbed, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to get it nice and airy.
2. Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey (or sweet chili sauce), rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Taste it and adjust the sriracha or honey to get the right balance of spicy and sweet for your liking. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Cooking the Ground Turkey:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink.
4. Seasoning the Turkey:
Stir in the soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so the meat absorbs all the flavors and becomes slightly caramelized. Then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Assembling the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly between your bowls. Top each with the spiced ground turkey, shredded carrots, sliced jalapeños, and green onion tops. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over each bowl generously.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes if you like more spice, add some chopped cilantro if you have it, and place lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over your bowl right before eating.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
To make it spicier, add extra sriracha to both the turkey mixture and bang bang sauce, or sprinkle more red chili flakes when serving. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and skip the jalapeño slices.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and rice separately or together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice feels dry.
Can I Prepare Parts of This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook and refrigerate the rice and turkey ahead. Make the bang bang sauce a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Simply assemble and warm everything before serving.
