These Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are the perfect weeknight meal, delivering a spicy, creamy, and savory explosion of flavor in under 30 minutes. I’ve spent years perfecting this simple recipe, and I can tell you, the homemade bang bang sauce is a total game-changer that brings everything together.
It’s one of those lunchs my family asks for again and again, and I’m so excited to share it with you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious, satisfying meal comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
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Key Takeaways
- Ready in a Flash: This entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The homemade bang bang sauce is creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once. It’s what makes these bowls so incredibly addictive!
- Healthy & Satisfying: Lean ground turkey provides a great source of protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
- Customizable for Everyone: You can easily swap out veggies or toppings to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. If you’re looking for another great meal prep idea, these bowls are fantastic. And for another healthy turkey option, you have to try my Healthy Turkey Taco Bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe
- You’ll love the way the spicy, creamy bang bang sauce coats every single bite. Trust me, it’s heavenly.
- It’s a complete meal in one bowl—protein, carbs, and veggies all together. So simple!
- The ground turkey gets beautifully browned and slightly crispy, adding a wonderful texture.
- It’s packed with lean protein from the ground turkey, which helps keep you satisfied long after lunch is over.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and whatever veggies you have lingering in the fridge.
- Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl—total comfort food that also happens to be pretty good for you.
- If you love this, I just know you’ll enjoy my Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for another easy, comforting meal.
A Little Backstory
I still remember the first time I tried bang bang sauce at a restaurant years ago. I was immediately hooked! I knew I had to figure out how to make that incredible sauce at home. After a whole lot of trial and error in my own kitchen, I finally nailed it.
The secret is getting the balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy just right. I started putting it on everything, but it really found its perfect match with these simple ground turkey rice bowls. This recipe has become a staple in our house, especially on those nights when I don’t have much time or energy.
It feels a little bit special, you know? Like you’re eating out, but you’re cozy at home. For another recipe that feels just as special, check out my Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. It’s another one of our family favorites!
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
| Ingredient | Notes/Substitutes |
|---|---|
| For the Ground Turkey: | |
| 1 lb ground turkey | I use 93/7 lean ground turkey. Ground chicken or even ground beef would work well too. |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | Or any neutral oil you have on hand. |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | You can use 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor. |
| 1/2 tsp onion powder | Adds a nice savory depth. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste. |
| For the Bang Bang Sauce: | |
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise | Use good quality mayo for the best flavor. For a lighter version, you can use plain Greek yogurt. |
| 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce | This is the key to the sauce’s flavor! Find it in the international aisle. |
| 1-2 tbsp sriracha | Adjust to your preferred spice level. Start with one and add more if you like it hot. |
| 1 tsp rice vinegar | Adds a little tang to balance the richness. |
| For the Bowls: | |
| 4 cups cooked rice | I love using jasmine rice, but any kind you have works! Brown rice, quinoa, or even my High Protein Italian Pasta Salad would be great. |
| Optional Toppings: | Shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, edamame, green onions, sesame seeds. |
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet: A 12-inch non-stick skillet is perfect for browning the turkey without it sticking.
- Mixing Bowl: For whisking together that delicious bang bang sauce.
- Whisk: To get the sauce nice and smooth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Step-by-Step
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until it’s perfectly smooth. Give it a taste and add more sriracha if you want more heat. Set it aside while you cook the turkey.
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want to see some crispy, caramelized bits—that’s where the flavor is!
- Season it Up: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the cooked turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top the rice with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground turkey.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce all over the turkey and rice. Don’t be shy! If you like extra spice, you might also like my Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get that perfect browning on the turkey, make sure your skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd it. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the turkey in two batches.
- Here’s a Little Trick for the Sauce: For the absolute best flavor, let the bang bang sauce sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together. You can even make it a day ahead!
- Get Creative with Veggies: This is a great “clean out the fridge” meal. Feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach with the ground turkey.
- Toast Your Sesame Seeds: If you’re using sesame seeds as a garnish, take a minute to toast them in a dry skillet until they’re fragrant. It brings out their nutty flavor and makes a huge difference.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just store the rice, turkey, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the bowls right before you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh. For another make-ahead friendly meal, try my High Protein Italian Pasta Salad.
What to Serve With Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
These bowls are a fantastic all-in-one meal, but if you want to add a little something extra on the side, here are a few ideas:
- A simple side of steamed or roasted broccoli.
- Crispy, pan-fried wonton strips for extra crunch.
- A light and refreshing cucumber salad.
- You could even serve it alongside my Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe for a super cozy dinner.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the sauce separately to prevent the rice from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the turkey and rice in the microwave until warmed through, then drizzle with the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 27g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 28g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.
FAQs About Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
What sauce is good with turkey and rice?
A creamy, spicy sauce like this homemade bang bang sauce is absolutely perfect with ground turkey and rice! Its rich flavor complements the lean turkey beautifully.
Is ground turkey ok for weight loss?
Yes, lean ground turkey is a fantastic choice for weight loss. It’s high in protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied, and it’s lower in fat and calories than many other ground meats.
What kind of rice is best in a rice bowl?
I love using fluffy jasmine rice for these bowls, but truly, any rice works! Brown rice is a great healthy option with a nutty flavor, or you could use quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
How do you make turkey mince rice bowls?
It’s so easy! You just brown the ground turkey (or mince) in a skillet, season it well, and then serve it over a bed of your favorite rice with delicious toppings and a flavorful sauce, like this bang bang sauce.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you love these Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce as much as my family and I do! It’s such a simple, satisfying meal that never disappoints. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear how it turned out for you! If you are looking for another fantastic weeknight lunch, be sure to check out my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.
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Ground Turkey Rice with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are the perfect weeknight meal, delivering a spicy, creamy, and savory explosion of flavor in under 30 minutes. The homemade bang bang sauce is a total game-changer that brings everything together.
Ingredients
For the Ground Turkey:
1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha
1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Bowls:
4 cups cooked rice
Optional Toppings:
Shredded carrots
Sliced cucumbers
Edamame
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Crispy, pan-fried wonton strips
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until it’s perfectly smooth. Give it a taste and add more sriracha if you want more heat. Set it aside while you cook the turkey.
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
- Season it Up: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the cooked turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top the rice with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground turkey.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce all over the turkey and rice. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded carrots, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get that perfect browning on the turkey, make sure your skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd it.
Make the Sauce Ahead: For the best flavor, let the bang bang sauce sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. You can even make it a day ahead!
Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach with the ground turkey.
Toast Your Sesame Seeds: If you’re using sesame seeds, take a minute to toast them in a dry skillet until they’re fragrant. It makes a huge difference!
Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just store the rice, turkey, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: ground turkey rice bowl, bang bang sauce, weeknight lunch, healthy recipe, quick meal, easy ground turkey recipe, spicy turkey bowl