Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fun and tasty twist on a classic rice bowl. Tender ground turkey, seasoned just right, sits on a bed of fluffy rice, and the whole thing gets a lively kick from a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings everything together. It’s a great mix of textures and flavors—meaty, smooth, and a little zippy.
I love making these bowls because they come together pretty quickly and feel like a complete meal in one dish. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part—it’s got a little bit of heat and sweetness that makes every bite more exciting. I sometimes add some crunchy veggies like cucumber or shredded carrots for a fresh crunch. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to switch up depending on what you have on hand, but that sauce always steals the show for me.
This is a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful but simple. I usually serve it with some steamed or roasted vegetables on the side, but it’s perfectly satisfying on its own too. If I’m making it ahead, I keep the sauce separate and drizzle it just before eating so everything stays fresh. It’s become a favorite at our house because it’s both healthy and packing a punch of flavor without much effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat cooks quickly and keeps the dish light. If unavailable, you can swap with ground chicken or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Jasmine Rice: I like jasmine rice for its fluffy texture and mild fragrance. You can use basmati, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, mix ketchup with a bit of chili paste and sugar.
Fresh Veggies: Cucumbers and shredded carrots add great crunch and freshness. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage for a different texture.
How Do You Make the Ground Turkey Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking ground turkey properly is key since it’s lean and can dry out easily. Here’s my simple approach:
- Heat skillet to medium so it cooks evenly.
- Break meat into small pieces for better browning.
- Add garlic and ginger early to infuse flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Stir occasionally but let it brown a little to build flavor.
Finishing with soy sauce and green onions adds seasoning and freshness, keeping it tasty and moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for cooking fluffy jasmine rice evenly without sticking.
- Large nonstick skillet – makes browning ground turkey easy and cleanup simple.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the bang bang sauce until smooth.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing green onions, cucumbers, and limes quickly.
- Measuring spoons – to get sauce ingredients just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a different but similar meaty flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color in your bowls.
- Mix in shredded cabbage or kale with the carrots for more veggies and texture.
- Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds to add nuttiness and a bit of crunch to the dish.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or white rice of choice)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and optional squeeze)
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to desired spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. Cooking the rice will take roughly 15 minutes, while preparing and cooking the ground turkey and sauce will take an additional 10 minutes. You can get everything ready quickly for a fast, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. Then, cook the rice according to the package directions (usually 1 cup rice to 1¼ to 1½ cups water). When done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm while you prepare the rest.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Tweak the spiciness or sweetness to your taste, then set it aside.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, add the soy sauce and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking until the turkey is browned all over and no longer pink inside, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for another minute to blend the flavors well.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice between four bowls. Top each with a generous helping of the ground turkey mixture. Add some shredded carrots and cucumber slices on the side for freshness and crunch.
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the turkey and sprinkle extra green onions on top. Garnish with lime slices so everyone can add a fresh squeeze if they like.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
These bowls are best served immediately so you get warm, tender turkey with fresh, crisp veggies and tangy, spicy sauce in every bite. It’s a quick meal packed with flavor and texture that’s sure to satisfy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separately and drizzle just before serving to keep the veggies fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
If you don’t have jasmine rice, basmati rice, brown rice, or even quinoa work great as alternatives. Adjust cooking times based on the grain’s package instructions.
