There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl filled with vibrant flavors, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy spicy sauce. These Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls come together quickly, making them the perfect weeknight dinner for busy schedules or casual gatherings. The tender ground turkey melds beautifully with the crisp veggies, while the bang bang sauce adds a deliciously zesty kick that ties everything together.
Served over fluffy jasmine rice, each bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures and an explosion of taste that will keep you coming back for more. This dish is refreshingly balanced, wholesome, and flexible enough to customize to your preferences.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
- The creamy bang bang sauce provides a spicy-sweet flavor pairing that complements ground turkey perfectly.
- Loaded with colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious, well-rounded meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean protein choice that cooks quickly and absorbs rich flavors from sauces and seasonings.
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups): Fragrant, fluffy rice that serves as a perfect neutral base for the flavorful topping.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture to the bang bang sauce, balancing the heat.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Provides sweet and mildly spicy notes to elevate the sauce complexity.
- Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers fiery heat; adjust amount to control spiciness of the dish.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami and saltiness enhancing the turkey and veggies.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings bright acidity to the sauce, cutting through richness for balance.
- Chopped red bell pepper (1 cup): Provides sweetness and crunchy texture that contrast nicely with tender meat.
- Chopped carrots (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and subtle earthiness with crisp bite.
- Chopped broccoli (1 cup): Offers vibrant color and nutritional value while maintaining slight crunch.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing to lightly brown the turkey and soften vegetables.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavors of the dish.
- Green onions, sliced (2): Fresh garnish adding mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Toasted for nutty aroma and subtle crunch as a finishing touch.
Instructions
- Cook Jasmine Rice
Prepare the jasmine rice following package instructions, ensuring it is fluffy and warm. Having the rice ready beforehand allows for quick assembly of the bowls.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. This creamy, spicy sauce brings all the flavors together and can be adjusted for desired heat.
- Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until thoroughly browned and no longer pink. This step locks in savory flavors and ensures even cooking.
- Season Turkey
Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the cooked turkey. The soy sauce adds rich umami depth, while salt and pepper balance the overall taste.
- Add Vegetables
Toss in the chopped red bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables become tender-crisp. This preserves their texture and vibrant color to make the dish more appealing.
- Combine Turkey and Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half of the prepared bang bang sauce. Toss everything to coat the meat and vegetables evenly, infusing every bite with creamy spice.
- Assemble the Bowls
Spoon warm jasmine rice into individual bowls. Top with the turkey and veggie mixture. Drizzle remaining bang bang sauce over the top to add an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- Add Final Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the heat level of the bang bang sauce according to your spice preference.
- Substituting brown rice or cauliflower rice makes this dish even healthier without compromising taste.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that maintains delicious umami flavors.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the fresh vegetable crunch and keep the sauce creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple side salad or steamed edamame to add an extra vegetable boost. This bowl also complements light, refreshing beverages such as iced green tea or sparkling water with lime.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to keep their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the most bright and authentic flavor in the bang bang sauce.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma.
FAQs
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well and can be substituted equally for ground turkey in this recipe.
- How can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy sauce plant-based.
- Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat from sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the amount.
- Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s excellent for meal prepping. Store components separately if possible for best texture and freshness.
- What other vegetables can I use?
Try substituting or adding snap peas, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms based on availability and personal taste.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the vegetables. It’s best to keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within three days.
- What rice alternatives work well?
Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa all make nutritious alternatives depending on your dietary needs.
Bang Bang Ground Turkey Bowls
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Add chopped bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli; cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Remove skillet from heat and mix in half of the bang bang sauce to coat the mixture.
- Divide cooked jasmine rice into bowls, top with turkey and vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle remaining bang bang sauce over each bowl and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha amount to control spice level.
- Use brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
- Substitute other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini as desired.
- Use tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days for meal prep.
