Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. It’s a versatile dish that can accommodate various tastes and preferences, making it a great option for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

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 c 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
  • And more!

Directions:

  1. Prep Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the bang bang sauce ingredients together. Whisk well to combine. You can adjust the flavor by adding more spice with extra sriracha or sweetening it with more honey or sweet chili sauce. Chill until ready to serve.

  2. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground turkey and break it into smaller pieces. Cook until the turkey is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch.

  3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. To thicken it up, sprinkle the cornstarch over the top and stir to combine. If you like, you can stir in about 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce just before serving.

  4. Assemble Rice Bowls: There are no strict rules here! Start with a base of rice, add your favorite veggies, and spoon the ground turkey mixture on top. Drizzle with more bang bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce in bowls. You can offer guests extra toppings like additional sriracha, shredded veggies, or sliced avocado on the side. This way, everyone can customize their bowls to their liking.

How to Store Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

To store leftovers, place any uneaten ground turkey mixture and rice in airtight containers. They can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat your servings in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. Keep the bang bang sauce separate until you serve it again for the best taste.

Tips to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

  • Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
  • If you want more crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds on top.
  • Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas work great too!

Variation

You can easily switch the protein in this recipe. Ground chicken or even tofu works well as alternatives. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas for the protein.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes better when it has time to chill and the flavors meld together.

  2. Is this recipe spicy?
    The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can add more or less sriracha to suit your taste.

  3. Can I freeze the ground turkey mixture?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground turkey mixture. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce, and feel free to get creative with your toppings and flavors!

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