Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fun and flavorful meal that’s quick to make any night of the week. Tender ground turkey seasoned just right sits atop a bed of fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings a little kick with every bite. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish super satisfying without being heavy.
I love making these bowls when I want something that feels homemade but a bit special. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part—it’s creamy with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other ingredients. I usually mix a little extra sauce into my turkey to amp up the flavor even more. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to put together but always impresses everyone at the table.
Serving these rice bowls fresh and warm is the best, and I like to add some crunchy veggies on the side, like sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots, to contrast the saucy turkey. If you have leftovers, they reheat well too, making it a perfect go-to lunch. Honestly, these bowls are one of my easy favorites—they come together fast, taste great, and always make me feel good about what I’m eating.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce well. If you prefer, substitute ground chicken or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant, slightly sticky texture makes it perfect here. You can swap for basmati or brown rice if you want a nuttier or healthier option.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, this sauce is creamy with a spicy-sweet kick. For a lighter sauce, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Vegetables: Shredded carrots and cabbage add crunch and color. Feel free to swap or add other fresh veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.
Eggs: Optional fried eggs add richness with runny yolks. If you prefer, try a soft-boiled or poached egg instead.
How Do You Get the Ground Turkey Tender & Flavorful?
Ground turkey can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the heat and cooking time:
- Cook the turkey over medium-high heat to brown it well but not too long.
- Break it into small pieces with a spoon for even cooking.
- Add minced garlic and ginger halfway through cooking to keep their flavor fresh.
- Pour the sauce in once the meat is fully cooked and simmer briefly to let flavors soak in.
This method keeps the turkey juicy and tasty, making every bite delicious in your rice bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly and developing good browning.
- Medium saucepan – great for cooking your rice without sticking or boiling over.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining ingredients like the bang bang sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – lets you break up the turkey and stir the sauce comfortably.
- Non-stick frying pan – ideal for frying eggs without them sticking or breaking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a different mild flavor and richer texture.
- Add crunchy cucumbers or snap peas to boost freshness and add contrast.
- Mix in shredded cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a creamy twist.
- Try topping with avocado slices for creaminess that balances the spicy sauce well.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup jasmine or white rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 limes, sliced for garnish
- 2 eggs (optional, for fried egg topping)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your liking)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 25 minutes. It’s a quick meal idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove extra starch. Cook it using the package instructions. Once done, keep the rice warm while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
In a bowl, mix the ground turkey with half the minced garlic and ginger. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey mixture and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and done.
3. Add Aromatics and Sauce:
Add the remaining garlic, ginger, and half the chopped green onions to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour this over the cooked turkey, stir well, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
4. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
5. (Optional) Fry the Eggs:
Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the eggs sunny side up until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the saucy ground turkey mixture, then add shredded carrots and cabbage on one side for crunch and freshness. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Add a fried egg to each bowl if you like. Sprinkle with the remaining green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Finish by placing lime slices on the side, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl just before eating for a bright touch.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with creamy, spicy bang bang sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
You can use basmati rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the rice type you choose.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove to keep the turkey tender.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Give it a good stir before serving if it separates slightly.
