Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce are a fun and tasty way to mix up your weeknight dinners. This dish shines with tender ground turkey cooked just right and served over fluffy rice. The real star is the Bang Bang Sauce—a creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy topping that brings everything to life.
I love making these bowls when I want something quick but still packed with flavor. The sauce is super easy to whip up, and the balance of spicy and creamy always makes me want seconds. I usually add some crunchy veggies on top to get a nice contrast in textures, which makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
When I serve these bowls, I like to let everyone add their own toppings—sometimes extra sauce, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime. It’s a simple meal that feels special and fresh, perfect for busy nights or when you just want something tasty without too much fuss. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. You can swap it for ground chicken or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. I like using turkey because it’s healthy but still tasty.
Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture make it ideal here. If you prefer, use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, it’s creamy with just the right kick. If you want it milder, reduce sriracha or swap it for a milder hot sauce. Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a lighter sauce.
Vegetables: Purple cabbage and carrots add crunch and color. Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra freshness.
Fried Egg: This is optional but adds richness and a nice texture contrast. You can swap for a poached egg or skip it entirely.
How Can I Cook Ground Turkey So It Stays Tender and Flavorful?
Ground turkey can dry out quickly if not cooked properly. Here’s how I keep it juicy:
- Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high before adding turkey to get a nice sear.
- Add the white parts of green onions early to release their aroma, boosting flavor.
- Break up the meat gently with a spoon, don’t over-stir.
- Cook just until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Overcooking dries the meat.
- Season with salt and pepper toward the end to keep meat tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking ground turkey evenly without sticking.
- Medium saucepan with lid – great for steaming jasmine rice fluffy and tender.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together your creamy Bang Bang sauce smoothly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – lets you break up turkey easily and stir ingredients gently.
- Small frying pan – ideal for cooking fried eggs to top your bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or shrimp for a different protein option that cooks just as fast.
- Stir in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast that pairs well with the spicy sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and fresh greens.
- Mix in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy, melty texture.
Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bowls:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or your preferred white rice)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-4 fried eggs (optional, but recommended)
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust heat level to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for brightening flavor)
Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes
- Additional sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it ready in around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. Cook it according to package instructions, usually with 1 cup rice to 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like—this sauce should be creamy, spicy, a little sweet, and tangy.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the Fried Eggs:
In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and fry the eggs sunny-side up or to your liking. Lightly salt and pepper them.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Place a generous scoop of hot rice into each bowl. Top with the cooked turkey, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and the green parts of the green onions.
6. Add the Bang Bang Sauce and Egg:
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the turkey and rice, and place a fried egg on top of each bowl. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat and serve with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy the fantastic mix of flavors and textures—the creamy spicy sauce, juicy turkey, crisp veggies, and rich egg yolk come together perfectly.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture while browning.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Bowls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the turkey and rice gently on the stove or microwave, then add fresh veggies and sauce to keep the bowl tasty.
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
You can use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a different texture or a healthier twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
