Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a delicious, quick, and colorful meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The juicy ground turkey pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings everything together in a fun, zesty way.
I love making these bowls when I want something satisfying but not too heavy. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part—it’s creamy with just the right amount of heat, and it’s easy to whip up with simple ingredients. Sometimes, I like to add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped green onions to give it a little extra brightness.
These rice bowls are great for busy weeknights because everything comes together quickly, and you can customize them with whatever veggies you have on hand. They also make fantastic leftovers, so I usually make a big batch and enjoy them for lunch the next day. It’s a tasty and easy way to enjoy a balanced, homemade meal without lots of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat cooks quickly and stays tender. If you prefer, ground chicken or lean ground pork are great swaps.
Rice: Jasmine or sushi rice works well for a sticky, tender base. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, this sauce packs creamy heat. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo. Adjust sriracha to control spice.
Veggies: Fresh carrots, cucumber, and jalapeños add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes for variety.
How Do You Cook Ground Turkey So It Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Ground turkey can dry out easily, so here are some tips to keep it moist and tasty:
- Heat your pan well and use some oil to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps the meat brown instead of steam.
- Break the turkey into small pieces early, and let it brown before stirring too much.
- Add garlic and seasonings early to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Finish with soy sauce and sesame oil for extra richness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for cooking the rice evenly without sticking.
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet – helps brown the ground turkey nicely while making cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the bang bang sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for slicing veggies cleanly and safely.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate for best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a different taste and texture.
- Add shredded cabbage or snap peas for extra crunch and fresh flavor.
- Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese to add a salty, creamy touch.
- Mix in a teaspoon of grated ginger with the garlic for a warm, aromatic kick.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 1/2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes or to taste
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 30 minutes total: around 15 minutes to cook the rice, 10-12 minutes to prepare and cook the turkey, and a few minutes to mix the sauce and assemble your bowls. It’s a quick and delicious meal ready in under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set this creamy, spicy sauce aside until ready to use.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Season the Turkey:
Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped cilantro, and the white parts of the green onions. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together. Sprinkle chili flakes over the mixture and give it a good stir.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly between your serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the seasoned ground turkey.
6. Add the Veggies & Garnishes:
Arrange the shredded carrots, thin cucumber slices, and jalapeño slices (if using) on the side of each bowl. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a little more fresh cilantro if you like.
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the turkey and rice in each bowl. Serve with a wedge of lime to squeeze fresh juice over the dish for a bright, tangy finish.
Enjoy your tasty, colorful Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with creamy and spicy bang bang sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils. For the bang bang sauce, use vegan mayonnaise to keep it creamy and delicious.
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook and store the rice, turkey mixture, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the turkey and rice on the stove or microwave before assembling your bowl, then drizzle with sauce.
What Are Good Substitutes for the Veggies?
You can easily swap carrots and cucumber for other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage. Feel free to customize with whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand!