Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce make for a simple and tasty meal that’s full of flavor. The ground turkey is tender and cooked just right, sitting on a bed of fluffy rice, and then everything is topped with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce that gives it a fun little kick. It’s a great bowl that feels both fresh and satisfying every time.
I love making this recipe on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and feels like a treat without much fuss. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part — it’s creamy, a little sweet, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. I often double the sauce because I like to drizzle plenty on top. It’s a simple way to make the bowl really pop with flavor.
When I serve these bowls, I usually add some crunchy veggies like sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots on the side for a bit of extra freshness. It’s also great with a sprinkle of green onions or a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up. Everyone I’ve shared this with loves how easy and delicious it is, and it’s definitely become one of my go-to meals for feeding the family or friends quickly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat keeps the bowl light but flavorful. If you want a richer taste, ground chicken or even lean ground beef works well. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or plant-based meat are good swaps.
Rice: Jasmine or white rice adds a fluffy and mild base to the bowl. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier or low-carb twist, though cooking times will differ.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce balances creamy, sweet, and spicy notes. Mayonnaise is the base, but Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative. Adjust sriracha to control the heat level.
Veggies: Shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and avocado add crunch, color, and freshness. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes depending on what you have on hand.
Eggs: The fried egg brings richness with a runny yolk that blends well into the bowl. For a vegan option, leave it out or add crispy tofu instead.
How Can I Cook Tender, Flavorful Ground Turkey?
Ground turkey can easily turn dry if overcooked. Here’s how to get juicy, flavorful meat:
- Heat oil on medium, then add garlic and ginger to perfume the pan before the meat goes in.
- Cook turkey in batches if your pan is crowded to avoid steaming.
- Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks and stir occasionally for even browning.
- Season with soy and hoisin sauce near the end to enhance flavor without drying out the meat.
- Remove from heat right when cooked through to keep it tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the ground turkey evenly without crowding the pan.
- Small mixing bowl – to whisk together the bang bang sauce quickly and smoothly.
- Non-stick frying pan – for frying eggs easily without sticking or breaking the yolk.
- Rice cooker or medium pot – makes cooking fluffy rice simple and fuss-free.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to slice fresh veggies and green onions cleanly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for different flavor profiles that still cook quickly.
- Add crushed peanuts or cashews on top for extra crunch and a nutty touch.
- Mix in shredded bok choy or baby spinach with the veggies for more greens and texture.
- Use a drizzle of sriracha mayo instead of bang bang sauce for a creamy, spicy twist.
How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Black sesame seeds, for garnish
- Hot sauce or sriracha, for drizzling
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust depending on spice preference)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the rice and turkey, frying the eggs, making the sauce, and assembling everything. It’s a quick and tasty dinner option when you want something fresh and flavorful fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice:
Cook the rice following the package instructions. Keep it warm while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the bang bang sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until well combined and smooth. Taste and add more sriracha if you want more heat. Set aside.
3. Cook the ground turkey:
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce if using, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes and then remove from heat.
4. Fry the eggs:
In a separate non-stick pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up or how you like. Cooking them so the yolks are slightly runny adds a nice creaminess to this dish.
5. Assemble the bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls. Arrange shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, cucumber, and lettuce leaves around the edges of each bowl.
6. Add the turkey and eggs:
Top the center of each rice bowl with the cooked ground turkey mixture. Place a fried egg on the side of each bowl.
7. Finish & serve:
Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the turkey and egg. Sprinkle sliced green onions and black sesame seeds on top. Add a little hot sauce or sriracha if you like it spicier. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, colorful bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess 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 quick stir before serving to recombine the ingredients.
What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar to achieve a similar sweet and savory flavor. This substitution works well and still tastes great.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rice bowls separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the egg separate if possible to maintain its texture. Reheat the turkey and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling.
