Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a tasty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The bowls are packed with flavorful ground turkey, tender rice, and a creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce that brings everything together. You get the right mix of protein, carbs, and a little kick of heat all in one bowl.
I love making these bowls because they come together quickly, and the bang bang sauce adds such a fun zing that makes the dish feel special without much effort. I usually sauté the turkey with some garlic and spices to keep it simple but tasty. The sauce is a great combo of creamy and spicy, and a little drizzle on top really brightens the whole bowl.
My favorite way to eat these rice bowls is with some fresh cucumber slices and maybe a handful of chopped green onions for a bit of crunch. They’re perfect for meal prep too, so you can have a delicious lunch ready to go for the week ahead. Whenever I make this, everyone in my house ends up asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and keeps the dish light. If you want more flavor, try ground chicken or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian option.
White rice: I like using jasmine or sushi rice for their sticky texture, which works well in bowls. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be swapped for a healthier or low-carb twist.
Bang bang sauce: This sauce is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet thanks to mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. If mayo isn’t your thing, try Greek yogurt for a tangy swap.
Fresh veggies: Carrots and cucumber add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or snap peas for variety.
How Do I Cook Ground Turkey So It Stays Tender and Flavorful?
Ground turkey can dry out easily, so these tips help keep it juicy:
- Heat the oil first, then sauté garlic to add flavor.
- Cook turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it browns evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for better browning.
- Season early with salt and spices to enhance flavor.
- Cook just until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes; overcooking dries it out.
These steps give you flavorful, tender turkey perfect for building your rice bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly without sticking.
- Medium saucepan – to cook rice with the right amount of water and fluffiness.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing cucumbers and chopping green onions quick and easy.
- Measuring spoons – help you get the sauce and seasoning just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a change in flavor and richness.
- Add shredded cabbage or bell peppers for more crunch and color.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy twist.
- Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch and a nutty balance to the spicy sauce.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
Additional Drizzle (optional):
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total—15 minutes for preparing and cooking the rice and turkey, plus 5 minutes to whisk the bang bang sauce and assemble the bowls. It’s a quick and tasty meal you can make any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Cook the white rice following the package instructions. Once done, fluff it up with a fork and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, along with the ground ginger (if using), salt, and black pepper. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove it from the heat when done.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the turkey cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice (if using) in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha according to how spicy you like it.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Top each with ground turkey, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped green onions over each bowl for freshness and color. If you’d like extra heat, drizzle some additional sriracha or chili garlic sauce on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty, vibrant rice bowls!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber. Just keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly or use pre-cooked brown rice for convenience.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Swap the ground turkey for crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils. Sauté tofu with the same seasonings for great flavor, and the bang bang sauce remains a perfect creamy topping.
Can I Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before drizzling on your bowls.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling and adding fresh veggies and sauce.
