Name: Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 Tbsp sesame oil, or favorite cooking oil; 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp grated ginger; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; 3 Tbsp soy sauce, low sodium; 1-2 Tbsp sriracha; 2-3 Tbsp chicken broth; 2 tsp honey; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp sea salt, more or less to taste; 2 tsp corn starch; ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce; ½-1 Tbsp sriracha, more to kick up the spice; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp honey; rice; shredded carrots; sliced cucumbers; shelled edamame; pickled onions; avocado; shredded cabbage; sliced green onion; sesame seeds

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If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together quickly, this Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, seasoned ground turkey simmered in a delightful spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice and topped with crunchy fresh veggies and a creamy, zesty bang bang drizzle. It’s colorful, packed with textures, and so satisfying that it will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, with simple ingredients and a straightforward method, whipping up this dish feels like a breeze, even on the busiest evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a grey frying pan filled with cooked light brown minced meat spread evenly inside. In the center of the meat, there is a small mound of red spice mix with a coarse texture, sitting on top. The frying pan has a silver metal handle visible at the bottom right. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for everyday pantry staples and fresh produce that each play a vital role in making this dish shine. The balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy ingredients comes together perfectly, ensuring you get a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ground turkey: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings and sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma enhancing the turkey’s flavor as it cooks.
Garlic and grated ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Smoked paprika and onion powder: Subtle spices that round out the savory profile.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Brings umami and saltiness without overpowering.
Sriracha: Adds that kick of heat, adjustable depending on your spice tolerance.
Chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist and aids in simmering the flavors together.
Honey: Balances heat and saltiness with a gentle sweetness.
Black pepper and sea salt: For seasoning to taste and enhancing all flavors.
Cornstarch: Thickens the turkey mixture for a saucier finish.
Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar: Key ingredients in the Bang Bang Sauce, blending creaminess, tang, and sweetness.
Fresh veggies and rice bowl toppings: Think shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds for crunch and freshness.

How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic touch that adds a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Feel free to tweak the heat by adjusting the sriracha amount or balance it out with more honey or sweet chili sauce to suit your taste. Once combined, pop it in the fridge to chill—this gives the flavors time to meld perfectly.

Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Turkey

Heat a splash of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. When the meat is no longer pink and reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors get cozy. To thicken the sauce, sprinkle cornstarch evenly and stir well. As a bonus, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of the bang bang sauce directly into the warm turkey mixture for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Your Rice Bowls

This is the fun part because there are no hard rules. Start with a bed of fluffy rice, then pile on vibrant veggies like shredded carrots, crunchy cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, creamy avocado, and shredded cabbage. Spoon the spicy, saucy ground turkey atop the rice, then drizzle generous amounts of the chilled bang bang sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

A white bowl holds a colorful dish with four main layers arranged side by side: on the left, white rice topped with black sesame seeds; next to it, bright green edamame beans; then thin orange carrot strips; and on the right, sliced light green cucumber pieces sprinkled with black sesame seeds. The central top layer consists of golden brown cooked ground meat covered with creamy orange sauce and garnished with sliced green onions. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate the dish from great to irresistible. Adding sesame seeds introduces a subtle crunch and toasted flavor, while sliced green onions give a fresh, peppery bite. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped cilantro or add a wedge of lime to squeeze over the top. These small touches brighten and balance the bowl beautifully.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a light cucumber salad or a simple steamed vegetable medley pairs wonderfully. You could also serve some crunchy spring rolls or miso soup for an Asian-inspired dinner spread that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests or pack a tasty lunch? Serve your rice bowls in individual glass jars layered with turkey, veggies, and rice for a fun and portable take. You can also use colorful bowls to highlight the vibrant ingredients or top the dish with a fried egg for an extra decadent spin. The possibilities are endless, and each choice adds its own charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining ground turkey mixture and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The turkey keeps well for up to 3 days, and the sauce lasts about the same. Keeping them apart helps preserve the texture of both components.

Freezing

If you want to double your batch for busy nights ahead, freeze the cooked ground turkey mixture in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the sauce fresh and prepare the bang bang sauce right before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat the ground turkey gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave works well too, but stirring occasionally helps heat it evenly. Add the bang bang sauce after reheating to preserve its flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and will absorb the flavors just as well. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce, and can I make it milder?

The bang bang sauce is moderately spicy, thanks to the sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing the sriracha and adding more honey or sweet chili sauce to balance out the flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the ground turkey for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and the spicy bang bang sauce will remain the star.

What rice works best for the rice bowls?

Jasmine or basmati rice work great for their fluffy texture and fragrant aroma. You could also opt for brown rice if you prefer a nuttier taste and more fiber.

Final Thoughts

Making these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is not just about creating a meal—it’s about crafting a vibrant, flavorful experience that lifts your dinner routine. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory elements paired with fresh produce is pure comfort food that feels exciting on your plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, customize it your way, and enjoy the smiles around your table. You might just find yourself making it again and again!

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need