Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (Preferably 85–93% lean)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (Or favorite cooking oil; plus a drizzle for the skillet)
• 2.5 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 2 tsp fresh ginger (Grated)
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp sriracha (For the turkey mixture)
• 2.5 tbsp chicken broth (Add a little more if the turkey mixture becomes dry)
• 2 tsp honey (For the turkey mixture)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (More or less to taste)
• 2 tsp cornstarch (Optional; used to thicken the turkey mixture)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise (For the bang bang sauce)
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce (For the bang bang sauce)
• 0.75 tbsp sriracha (For the bang bang sauce; use up to 1 tablespoon for more spice)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (For the bang bang sauce)
• 2 tsp honey (For the bang bang sauce)
• cooked rice and toppings (Serve with cooked rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, sesame seeds, or other desired toppings)

Steps

1. 1

   Make the bang bang sauce first. Add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey to a small bowl.

2. 2

   Whisk the sauce thoroughly until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust it as desired: add more sriracha for heat, or more honey or sweet chili sauce to mellow the spice. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

3. 3

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Wait until the oil is hot and glistening.

4. 4

   Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until browned throughout, with no pink remaining, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt to the browned turkey. Stir until the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed.

6. 6

   Simmer the turkey mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is slightly reduced and the mixture is hot and flavorful.

7. 7

   If using cornstarch, sprinkle it evenly over the turkey mixture and stir well to combine. Continue cooking briefly until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. If the mixture becomes dry, add another splash of soy sauce or broth.

8. 8

   Just before serving, optionally stir about 2 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce into the turkey mixture.

9. 9

   Assemble the bowls with cooked rice, the ground turkey mixture, and the vegetables or other toppings of your choice.

10. 10

    Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the bowls. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes

Store the turkey and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The turkey keeps for about 3–4 days, while the sauce keeps for up to 1 week. The turkey mixture can also be frozen. Ground beef, pork, or chicken may be substituted for the turkey; a little lime or orange juice or zest can be added for extra flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• rice bowl
• quick meal
• 20-minute meal
• ground turkey
• spicy
• family-friendly
• meal prep