Quick & Flavorful Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls Recipe

Whipping up a quick ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Busy home cooks adore this delightful meal that combines lean protein with sweet and savory notes.

Tender ground turkey sizzles with classic teriyaki seasonings, creating a mouthwatering base for your dinner.

Fragrant rice serves as the perfect canvas for this protein-rich dish that comes together in minutes.

Colorful vegetables add a fresh crunch and vibrant appeal to the bowl, making every bite exciting.

Gluten-free and customizable, this recipe lets you play with ingredients to match your taste preferences.

You’ll love how effortlessly this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls That Hit the Spot

• Ground turkey teriyaki rice bowls offer a speedy dinner solution that's both delicious and nutritious.
• Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Kids and adults will love the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coating the lean ground turkey, ensuring everyone cleans their plate.
• With simple steps and basic ingredients, even novice cooks can successfully prepare this restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness for the teriyaki sauce.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and balances the sweet and savory elements.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, glossy coating.
• Water: Helps blend and dilute the sauce ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel-like sweetness and enhances sauce color.

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base with a mild flavor that absorbs teriyaki sauce well.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth to the meat mixture.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertone with a fresh aromatic quality.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich flavor and helps prevent sticking while cooking.

• Rice: Neutral base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce and completes the bowl.
• Broccoli: Adds nutritious green vegetable with a slight crunch.
• Carrots: Provides sweet, crisp texture and bright color.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers nutty flavor and decorative sprinkle.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step for Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

Step 1: Whip Up Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface

Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect sizzling stage for your turkey.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey

Toss ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Black pepper

Stir and let the spices dance together for about a minute, releasing their incredible fragrance.

Step 5: Create Teriyaki Magic

Pour the prepared sauce over the turkey, stirring thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer, watching the sauce transform and lovingly coat every morsel of meat.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the turkey over warm fluffy rice, accompanied by vibrant steamed broccoli and colorful shredded carrots.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Helpful Tips for Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls

• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings beautifully to the ground turkey.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic and ginger briefly to release their aromatic oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Lean Protein Trick: Choose ground turkey with 93% lean meat for healthier results without sacrificing moisture and flavor.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make extra sauce and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing faster meal assembly during busy weeknights.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free options, and use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Best Storage Tips for Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

• Store leftover turkey teriyaki in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place cold turkey teriyaki in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm turkey teriyaki in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to prevent drying. Stir frequently for even heating, about 3-5 minutes.
• Transfer cooled turkey teriyaki to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Bowls That Pair Well with Teriyaki Ground Turkey

• Select a chilled, light Japanese sake that complements the teriyaki's sweet and savory profile, cutting through the richness of ground turkey.
• Brew a hot jasmine green tea that refreshes the palate, balancing the teriyaki sauce's intensity and providing a subtle floral undertone.
• Create a tangy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to add crunch and brightness that contrasts the warm rice bowl.
• Prepare a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of honey to provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, saucy turkey.

Ideas for Changing Up Turkey Teriyaki Bowls

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like tempeh for a meatless protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure the recipe is completely gluten-free while maintaining the rich teriyaki flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki mixture for those who enjoy a heated, bold flavor dimension in their rice bowls.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls FAQs

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is a lean protein that’s lower in fat compared to beef, making it a nutritious option for those watching their calorie intake or seeking healthier meal alternatives.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will provide a slightly different tang, but will work well in the teriyaki sauce.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredients to maintain a gluten-free dish.

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor ground turkey teriyaki rice bowls, a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Tender seasoned turkey mingles with sweet teriyaki glaze over fluffy rice, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce Components:

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
• ¾ cup water
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Create a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce by whisking soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl until completely blended.
2. Warm sesame oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature.
3. Crumble ground turkey into the heated pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces while cooking.
4. Continue cooking the turkey until it transforms from pink to a rich, golden-brown color and reaches full doneness, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and freshly cracked black pepper to the meat, stirring thoroughly to distribute aromatics evenly.
6. Allow the fragrant mixture to sizzle for an additional minute, releasing the intense flavors of the spices.
7. Stream the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey, ensuring complete coverage and gently stirring to coat each morsel.
8. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, watching it transform into a thick, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the meat.
9. While sauce thickens, prepare a bed of steamed white rice in serving bowls.
10. Top the rice with the teriyaki-glazed turkey, arranging steamed broccoli and delicate shredded carrots alongside.
11. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Notes

• Customize the sauce’s sweetness by adjusting honey and brown sugar levels to match your taste preferences.
• Swap ground turkey with chicken, beef, or plant-based protein for dietary variety and flexibility.
• Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg