Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fresh, tasty, and easy meal that comes together quickly. The ground turkey is seasoned just right and cooked until juicy, sitting on a bed of fluffy rice. What really ties it all together is the zesty and creamy bang bang sauce—it’s got just the right balance of spicy and sweet that gives each bite a nice kick.
I love making these bowls because they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but simple. I usually like to add some crunchy veggies like shredded carrots or sliced cucumbers to add a little extra texture and freshness. The bang bang sauce always surprises people—it’s so good that I find myself spooning extra on top every time!
These bowls are great for meal prep too because you can make a big batch and have lunches ready for a few days. I sometimes like to switch things up by serving the turkey mixture over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. No matter how you serve it, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser in my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: It’s lean and cooks quickly, perfect for this dish. You can swap it with ground chicken, pork, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
Rice: Jasmine rice adds a nice fragrance and soft texture. Brown rice or cauliflower rice work well too for a healthier or low-carb version.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is creamy, spicy, and a little sweet. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, try mixing honey with chili garlic sauce or Sriracha.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and balances the heat. If you’re not a fan, cucumber slices or shredded cabbage add a fresh crunch instead.
How Do You Make the Ground Turkey Juicy and Flavorful?
Ground turkey can turn dry, so the key is not to overcook it and to add enough seasoning. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil well before adding turkey to prevent sticking.
- Break the meat into small pieces and spread it out in the pan for even cooking.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains but still moist.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt & pepper early for the turkey to absorb flavor.
This keeps the turkey tender and tasty, making it the perfect base for your rice bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the ground turkey evenly without drying it out.
- Medium saucepan or rice cooker – makes cooking fluffy rice easy and hands-free.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps break up the turkey while cooking without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons – keep your spice and sauce amounts accurate for consistent flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or pork for a different but still tender protein option.
- Add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers to the turkey for a sweet crunch and extra nutrition.
- Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or basil for a bright, fresh twist.
- Use coconut milk in the bang bang sauce for a creamier, slightly tropical flavor.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine or white rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Pickled ginger, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes total: around 15 minutes for cooking the rice and ground turkey, plus 5-10 minutes for making the bang bang sauce and assembling the bowls. It’s a quick and easy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Follow the instructions on your rice package to cook about 1 cup of jasmine or white rice. When cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Ground Turkey:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7-9 minutes or until the turkey is golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it hotter.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the rice into serving bowls. Top with the cooked ground turkey, then drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, avocado slices, pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your colorful and tasty ground turkey rice bowls right away while warm. Enjoy the zesty kick from the bang bang sauce combined with the creamy avocado and savory turkey!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and better texture.
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 serving.
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
Brown rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice work great as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the rice you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover turkey and rice bowls in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
