Bang Bang Ground Turkey Bowls (Printable Version)

Savory turkey in tangy chili mayo over rice with crisp veggies, sesame, and lime. Quick and delicious Asian-inspired bowls.

# What You Need:

→ Bang Bang Sauce

01 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
02 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
04 - 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Ground Turkey

08 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
09 - 1 pound ground turkey
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
12 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Bowl Components

13 - 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned
15 - ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
16 - ½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
17 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
18 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
20 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook rice according to package directions. Keep warm until assembly.
02 - In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth. Adjust Sriracha and honey to reach desired heat level and sweetness. Set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the cooked turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to allow flavors to integrate. Remove from heat.
05 - Divide warm rice evenly among four serving bowls, creating a base layer.
06 - Top each rice portion with an equal amount of seasoned ground turkey.
07 - Distribute julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, and shredded red cabbage around and atop the turkey in each bowl.
08 - Generously drizzle bang bang sauce over the turkey and vegetables in each bowl.
09 - Sprinkle sliced scallions and sesame seeds over each bowl. Top with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
10 - Squeeze lime juice over the bowl before consuming. Mix ingredients together if desired for integrated flavor distribution.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns simple ground turkey into something you actually crave, thanks to a sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and tang in every spoonful.
  • You can prep the vegetables while the rice cooks, making the whole process feel effortless even on a busy Tuesday.
  • The textures, from fluffy rice to crunchy cabbage to tender turkey, keep every bite interesting.
  • Leftovers hold up beautifully, so you can pack them for lunch the next day without losing any flavor.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the turkey or it will turn dry and crumbly, so remove it from the heat as soon as it is no longer pink.
  • Whisk the sauce thoroughly before drizzling because the garlic and ginger can settle at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Prepare all your vegetables before you start cooking the turkey so everything comes together quickly and stays warm.
  • If the sauce tastes too spicy after whisking, add another half tablespoon of honey to balance it out.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before sprinkling them on the bowls, it brings out a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
  • Make a double batch of the bang bang sauce and keep it in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to a week and tastes incredible on grilled chicken, shrimp, or even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
  • If your turkey releases a lot of liquid while cooking, drain it before adding the soy sauce and sesame oil so the flavors stay concentrated and the meat does not get watery.
Return