Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fresh and tasty meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The ground turkey is cooked just right—juicy and tender—while the fluffy rice serves as the perfect base. What really makes these bowls stand out is the zingy, creamy bang bang sauce that ties everything together with a little bit of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly but feels a lot more special than your typical dinner. The sauce is one of my favorites—it’s simple to whip up but adds such a nice kick. I usually make a bigger batch of the bang bang sauce so I can have some extras ready to drizzle on salads or as a dip for veggies throughout the week.
When I serve these bowls, I like to pile on colorful veggies like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a handful of fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. It feels like every bite is a little celebration of flavors and textures. This recipe is a regular go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, healthy, and always hits the spot, especially when I’m craving something flavorful without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and stays tender. If you prefer, ground chicken or even firm tofu work well too for a similar texture and taste.
Jasmine or long-grain rice: Jasmine adds a nice fragrance, but basmati or any white rice will do. For a healthier twist, try brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Bang bang sauce: The mix of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha gives a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Fresh veggies: Avocado, cabbage, tomatoes, and greens add crunch and color. Feel free to swap these with whatever fresh veggies you have, like cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers.
How Do I Get the Ground Turkey Flavorful and Not Dry?
Ground turkey is lean, so it can dry out if overcooked. Here’s how I keep it tasty and juicy:
- Use medium heat so the meat cooks evenly without burning.
- Cook aromatics first (onion and garlic) to build flavor before adding turkey.
- Break the turkey into small pieces as it cooks for even browning and texture.
- Stir in soy sauce and ginger to add moisture and a punch of flavor.
- Avoid overcooking—once it’s just cooked through, remove from heat promptly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for cooking rice evenly without burning.
- Large skillet or frying pan – you’ll cook the ground turkey and aromatics here with plenty of space to stir.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for chopping onions, garlic, and slicing veggies.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up turkey and stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or shrimp to change up the protein while keeping it light.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for a pleasant nutty texture.
- Try a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime on top to brighten the flavors.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bowl:
- 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or freshly grated ginger)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup lettuce leaves or mixed greens
- Black and white sesame seeds for garnish
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes in total. Cooking the rice and ground turkey takes around 20 minutes, plus a few minutes to prep veggies and mix the bang bang sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weekday meal that’s still full of bold flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, add the rice and water, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered for another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sriracha to make it as spicy as you like. Set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until no pink remains. Stir in the soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for an extra minute until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls. Arrange the lettuce leaves on one side. Spoon the cooked turkey mixture over the rice.
Add sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around the bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the turkey and rice.
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a finishing touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your vibrant, flavorful ground turkey rice bowls with creamy bang bang sauce are now ready to enjoy. Serve immediately for the best taste!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, and add a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before drizzling over your bowls for best flavor and texture.
