Ingredients

Ground Turkey Mixture:

1 lb ground turkey
1 Tbsp sesame oil or favorite cooking oil
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
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

Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
½-1 Tbsp sriracha, adjust for spice preference
1 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp honey

Rice Bowl Options:

Cooked rice
Shredded carrots
Sliced cucumbers
Shelled edamame
Pickled onions
Avocado slices
Shredded cabbage
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the spice and sweetness to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Sprinkle corn starch over the mixture and stir well to thicken the sauce. Optionally, stir in 2 tablespoons of bang bang sauce for extra flavor just before serving.

Step 5: Assemble your rice bowls by layering cooked rice and your chosen vegetables. Top with the ground turkey mixture, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken or beef as a substitute if you prefer a different protein.

Add crushed peanuts or cashews for extra texture and flavor.

For a lower-sodium option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to brighten the dish.

If you like it spicier, increase the amount of sriracha in the ground turkey or bang bang sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover ground turkey mixture and bang bang sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it has thickened too much. Assemble fresh rice bowls as desired after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these rice bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground turkey mixture and bang bang sauce in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture and freshness.