These Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a simple, tasty meal packed with flavor and texture. The ground turkey is cooked just right—moist and slightly crispy—paired with fluffy rice and topped off with a creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce that gives it a perfect kick. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together quickly on busy nights.
I love making this recipe because it’s so flexible. Sometimes I throw in whatever veggies I have on hand—like bell peppers, corn, or green onions—to add freshness and crunch. The bang bang sauce is my secret weapon; it’s creamy but has just the right amount of heat, making every bite exciting. I always find myself going back for seconds, which says a lot when you’re eating healthy turkey!
My favorite way to serve these bowls is with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top. It brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop against the spicy sauce. These bowls are great for meal prep too, as they hold up well in the fridge for a few days and reheat beautifully without losing flavor or texture. It’s my go-to dinner when I want something satisfying but not too heavy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and soaks up the seasonings well. If you prefer, ground chicken or even tofu crumbles can work as good swaps while keeping it light.
Rice: Jasmine rice or sushi rice bring a sticky, soft texture that pairs nicely with the saucy turkey. You can swap with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy. Mayonnaise is the base, but Greek yogurt works for a tangier, lighter version. Adjust sriracha for your spice level or use chili garlic sauce for more depth.
Veggies: Fresh shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and lettuce add crunch and color. Feel free to swap in snap peas, bell peppers, or radishes if you want variety or what’s on hand.
How Can You Get Crispy, Flavorful Ground Turkey?
Good texture makes this dish shine. Here’s how to get your turkey nicely browned and flavorful:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat before adding turkey—this helps prevent sticking.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Brown the turkey in batches if needed to encourage crisping.
- Break meat apart with a spatula and leave it undisturbed a few minutes to get a good sear.
- Season early—garlic, onion powders, paprika, salt, and pepper are great—and stir well so flavor spreads evenly.
- Cook until meat is cooked through and some bits have browned well for a tasty contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for browning ground turkey evenly without sticking.
- Medium saucepan – great for cooking the rice separately and fluffing it nicely.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons – help keep seasoning and sauce ingredients balanced.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean pork to switch up the flavor but keep it light.
- Add diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Top with crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to brighten flavors and add freshness.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or sushi rice)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (or chopped Napa cabbage)
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, quartered
- Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. Most of this time is cooking the rice and browning the turkey. Preparing the sauce and chopping vegetables happens while the rest cooks, making the process smooth and quick.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse your rice well under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook it according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the sauce if you want it spicier or sweeter. Set it in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and a little crispy along the edges.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
While turkey cooks, shred the cabbage, lettuce, and carrots. Slice the cucumbers and chop the green onions so everything is ready to assemble.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Neatly arrange the shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, carrots, and cucumber slices around the edges of each bowl.
6. Add the Turkey and Sauce:
Top the rice in the center with the cooked ground turkey. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the turkey and rice. Sprinkle green onions and red chili flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Add a lime wedge to each bowl to squeeze over right before eating. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly balances the creamy sauce and savory turkey.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents extra moisture in the pan.
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 good stir before serving.
What Are Good Substitutions for Jasmine Rice?
You can use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and veggies separately from the rice and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, and drizzle fresh bang bang sauce when serving.
