Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls (Print View)

Flavorful ground turkey coated in a zesty chili mayo sauce, paired with fluffy rice and fresh, crisp vegetables.

# Components:

→ Bang Bang Sauce

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

→ Seasoned 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

→ Rice Bowls

13 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked, or 2 cups cooked rice
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned or shredded
15 - ½ cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
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

# Method:

01 - Cook rice according to package directions. Keep warm until ready to assemble bowls.
02 - Whisk together rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Adjust heat or sweetness to preference and set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, approximately 5–7 minutes.
04 - Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the cooked turkey. Stir thoroughly and continue cooking 1–2 minutes for flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
05 - Divide warm rice among four serving bowls. Top each with an equal portion of seasoned ground turkey.
06 - Arrange julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, and shredded red cabbage around the turkey in each bowl.
07 - Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime over bowls before eating.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in two minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
  • Everything hits the table in under 40 minutes including the rice
  • You can customize the heat level from gentle warmth to full blown fireworks
02 -
  • The sauce tastes better after it sits for 10 minutes, make it first and let the flavors meld while you cook
  • Ground turkey can release a lot of liquid, drain the pan before seasoning if things look too watery
  • A squeeze of fresh lime right before eating is not optional, it is the difference between good and incredible
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes, that tiny step transforms them from garnish to flavor powerhouse
  • If your rice is too sticky, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch
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