Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a tasty and simple meal that combines juicy ground turkey, fluffy rice, and a spicy, creamy sauce that gives it a little kick. The bang bang sauce is the star here—it’s sweet, spicy, and a little tangy all at once, making every bite exciting and full of flavor. Plus, the bowls come together pretty quickly, which makes them perfect for a busy weeknight.
I love making these bowls because they feel like a complete meal in one dish, and I always find myself adding extra veggies like shredded lettuce, cucumbers, or even some crunch from toasted nuts on top. The ground turkey cooks up nicely with a touch of seasoning, and the bang bang sauce ties everything together in such a fun, unexpected way. Whenever I make this, it’s a hit and everyone asks for the sauce recipe!
My favorite way to enjoy these bowls is to serve them warm with a little lime squeezed on top to brighten all the flavors. They’re great for meal prep because they hold up well in the fridge, and reheated they’re just as tasty. It’s one of those meals that’s simple, fresh, and satisfies my craving for comfort food without being too heavy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and stays tender. You can swap it for ground chicken or even firm tofu to keep it light and healthy.
Rice: Jasmine or sushi rice works best for a sticky, soft texture that holds the toppings. For a healthier twist, try brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. If sweet chili sauce isn’t available, mix sriracha with honey and a bit of rice vinegar for a similar flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap veggies based on what you have. Broccolini, edamame, and bell peppers add great crunch and color!
How Do I Get Ground Turkey Tender and Flavorful?
Ground turkey can easily become dry if overcooked. To keep it juicy and tasty, follow these tips:
- Heat oil on medium-high, then quickly sauté garlic and ginger to release flavors.
- Add turkey and break it apart, cooking just until no longer pink—this usually takes 6-8 minutes.
- Season well with soy sauce and sesame oil during cooking for depth of flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to let the meat brown nicely instead of steaming.
These steps ensure your turkey stays moist and packed with flavor for your rice bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly without sticking or burning.
- Medium saucepan with lid – ideal for cooking rice so it turns out fluffy and tender.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the bang bang sauce easily and keep it smooth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for chopping veggies and slicing avocado cleanly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or pork for a different texture and richer flavor.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
- Top with crumbled feta or shredded Monterey Jack cheese to add creaminess.
- Mix in chopped fresh cilantro or basil for a bright herbal note.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or sushi rice recommended)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame (shelled, cooked)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- A handful of broccolini or steamed broccoli florets
- Sesame seeds (black and white mixed) for garnish
For Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Time Needed:
This tasty meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the rice and browning the turkey, plus a few minutes preparing the sauce and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s tender and fluffy, fluff it with a fork and set aside while you cook the rest.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness if you like. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the cooked turkey, edamame, sliced avocado, red bell pepper, and broccolini. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, with lime wedges on the side if you like a pop of citrus to brighten the flavors. Enjoy your colorful and delicious ground turkey rice bowls with creamy, spicy bang bang sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess water in the pan.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce tastes great when made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Bowls?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist if needed.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Bang Bang Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, mix sriracha with a little honey and rice vinegar as an easy alternative. You can also swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
