Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

The aroma of sizzling ground turkey fills the kitchen, promising a delicious meal on a busy weeknight. Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are not only quick to prepare—taking just about 30 minutes—but they also pack a punch with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of the spicy, creamy bang bang sauce with seasoned turkey and fresh vegetables works wonders for your taste buds.

This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, nourishing dinner solution that feels both comforting and fresh. Ideal for weeknight meals or meal prepping, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for a wholesome lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The bang bang sauce adds a delightful, spicy kick.
• Ground turkey cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Fresh toppings provide a satisfying crunch and burst of color.
• Meal prep-friendly for easy lunches throughout the week.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create these delicious rice bowls.

For the Ground Turkey Mixture

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or favorite cooking oil)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, 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

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 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

For Serving

• Rice
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced cucumbers
• Shelled edamame
• Pickled onions
• Avocado
• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced green onion
• Sesame seeds

Use low-fat mayo for a lighter sauce.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use chicken or pork instead of turkey.
• Swap sriracha for any preferred hot sauce.
• Replace honey with agave nectar for vegan option.
• Substitute regular soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal.

Prep the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more sriracha or cutting it with honey. Chill until ready to serve.

Cook the Ground Turkey

Over medium-high heat, drizzle sesame oil into a large skillet. When glistening, add the ground turkey and break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 7-10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add Seasonings

Stir in garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Thicken the Mixture

Sprinkle corn starch over the turkey mixture, stirring to combine until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. For added flavor, stir in about 2 tablespoons of the chilled bang bang sauce into the meat if desired.

Assemble the Rice Bowls

No rules here! Add a serving of rice to each bowl, followed by the cooked ground turkey mixture. Top with your choice of veggies, drizzle bang bang sauce over top, and garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze without toppings for better texture.
Reheat: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Cook turkey until browned for deeper flavor.
• Use old rice for better texture; it holds up well.
• Adjust sriracha and honey for the perfect heat balance.
• Prep ingredients ahead for a quick assembly on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad for extra crunch.
• Set up a DIY rice bowl bar for entertaining.
• Serve with steamed broccoli for a nutrient boost.