Name: Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 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 (adjust to taste); 2 tsp corn starch; ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce; ½-1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference); 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp honey; Cooked rice; Shredded carrots; Sliced cucumbers; Shelled edamame; Pickled onions; Avocado slices; Shredded cabbage; Sliced green onion; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, satisfying, and downright delicious meal, this Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is going to become your new weeknight superstar. Tender, flavorful ground turkey cooked with a perfect balance of spices and soy sauce is paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings all the flavors together in every bite. Tossed over a bed of fluffy rice and loaded with fresh, crunchy veggies, this dish is an explosion of textures and tastes that feels both wholesome and exciting. It’s simple to whip up, big on flavor, and bound to keep everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light gray frying pan holds one layer of cooked light brown ground meat covering the pan bottom evenly. On top in the center, there is a small mound of dark red spice powder mixed with some oil creating a slightly shiny texture. The pan handle is silver and extends toward the bottom right corner of the image. The pan sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting great results with this dish is all about using ingredients that pack a punch yet come together easily. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy ground turkey providing a hearty base to the bang bang sauce offering that creamy, spicy zing that keeps things interesting. Fresh veggies bring crunch and color, making each bowl a feast for your eyes and taste buds.

Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean, juicy, and quick to cook—it’s the perfect protein for these bowls.
Sesame oil (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle nutty depth that enhances the turkey’s flavor beautifully.
Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick that wakes up every bite.
Grated ginger (2 tsp): Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the sauce perfectly.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Provides a gentle smokiness that deepens the overall flavor.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Adds savory notes without overpowering the other spices.
Soy sauce (3 Tbsp, low sodium): Brings salty umami richness to the ground turkey.
Sriracha (1-2 Tbsp): Injects a spicy heat that’s both lively and addictive.
Chicken broth (2-3 Tbsp): Helps keep the turkey moist and adds subtle savory flavor.
Honey (2 tsp): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness for harmony.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat and layers depth in the seasoning.
Sea salt (½ tsp or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Corn starch (2 tsp): Thickens the sauce for a luscious coating on the turkey.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Base for the creamy bang bang sauce that ties everything together.
Sweet chili sauce (3 Tbsp): Adds fruity sweetness and gentle heat in the bang bang sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 tsp): Gives a bright acidity balancing the richness of the sauce.
Rice and fresh veggies (carrots, cucumbers, edamame, avocado, cabbage, green onions, sesame seeds): Bring freshness, crunch, and color to your bowls, making each bite exciting.

How to Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and fully combined. The sauce is flexible, so feel free to adjust the heat by adding a touch more sriracha or mellow it out with extra honey or sweet chili sauce. Pop this in the fridge while you cook the turkey to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Once the turkey is nicely browned and cooked through to 165°F internally, turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in your minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for a couple of minutes so all those flavors can get cozy. To give the sauce a perfect thickness, sprinkle the corn starch over the turkey and stir until everything comes together beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, stir in a couple of tablespoons of the bang bang sauce right into the meat just before serving.

Step 3: Assemble Your Rice Bowls

The beauty of these bowls is that you can customize them exactly how you like! Start with a base of warm, fluffy rice then pile on your choice of fresh veggies—shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, milky avocado, crunchy cabbage, and bright green onions all work wonderfully. Spoon the spicy, savory ground turkey mixture on top, then lavish everything with a generous drizzle of that creamy bang bang sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible crunch. Each bowl is a colorful, balanced masterpiece that promises satisfying bites every time.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

The dish is served on a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. It has four main layers arranged side by side: shredded orange carrots on the top left; bright green edamame beans just below the carrots; thin cucumber slices topped with black sesame seeds to the right of the edamame; and a large portion of cooked ground meat covered with a creamy orange sauce and sprinkled with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds on the right side. Beneath all the toppings, there is a base layer of white rice visible around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of garnishes with this recipe. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds freshness and a mild sharpness, while toasted sesame seeds bring nuttiness and that delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some thinly sliced red chili for extra heat or a wedge of lime for a zesty kick. Garnishes elevate not just the look but the entire eating experience.

Side Dishes

These rice bowls are hearty and filling on their own, but pairing them with light, refreshing sides amplifies dinner perfection. Consider a crisp cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, or some quick-pickled red onions for tartness that cuts through the richness. Edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt also make a fantastic, protein-packed accompaniment. These small touches make your meal feel thoughtfully composed.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is key for making this dish feel special. Serve the bowls layered in wide, shallow dishes so all the vibrant ingredients are visible. Use small ramekins to offer extra bang bang sauce or sriracha on the side, letting everyone customize their heat level. For a fun twist, turn these bowls into lettuce wraps where the turkey and toppings are scooped into crisp lettuce cups, offering a fresh, low-carb alternative. This recipe’s versatility invites you to explore and make it your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from the Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep everything tasting fresh, it’s best to store the sauce separately and add it when reheating or serving so it maintains its creamy texture and bright flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for busy nights, you can freeze the cooked ground turkey mixture (without the rice or fresh veggies) in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Fresh rice and vegetables are best added fresh after warming the meat.

Reheating

Reheat the ground turkey mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks dry. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring each time for even heating. Rewarm rice separately if possible, then assemble your bowls with fresh veggies and a drizzle of bang bang sauce for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even beef would work wonderfully here. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but the bang bang sauce will complement them all beautifully.

Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?

The spice level is flexible. The sriracha in the sauce can be adjusted to your personal taste, making it mild or with a good kick of heat. You can always start with less and add more if you want to turn up the spice.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free as well. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What veggies go best in these rice bowls?

Fresh, crunchy veggies like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, edamame, avocado, cabbage, and green onions add great texture and flavor. Feel free to add or swap in whatever you have on hand or prefer, such as bell peppers or snap peas.

Can I meal prep this recipe for the week?

Definitely! It’s a fantastic meal prep option. Prepare the turkey mixture and rice ahead of time, store them separately, and add fresh veggies and bang bang sauce when you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend giving the Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe a try enough—it’s one of those meals that feels like a comforting hug after a busy day. With minimal fuss and incredible flavor, it brings together the best parts of home cooking and vibrant, bold spices without any stress. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need