If you are on the lookout for a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that packs bold flavors and vibrant textures, this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Combining lean ground turkey with crisp veggies and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and a subtle hint of spice. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also comes together in just around 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. Trust me, the harmony of flavors and colors in this recipe will leave you craving more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s layering flavors, adding texture, or delivering that signature teriyaki shine. The beauty lies in their simplicity and how well they work together to create a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein base that soaks up the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil (divided): Adds a mild richness and keeps the turkey and veggies perfectly sautéed without burning.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a hint of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and thinly sliced): Adds crunch and a pop of bright red to the bowl.
- 1 small head broccoli (cut into florets): Offers a fresh, green bite and pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki glaze.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle, warming spice.
- ½ yellow onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sweet-savory foundation when sautéed.
- â…“ cup soy sauce or Tamari: The salty umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
- ¾ cup water: Balances the sauce and helps with thickness.
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness that makes this sauce irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers tanginess to brighten flavors and cut through richness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent for that perfect glaze consistency.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce*: Deepens the umami notes, making the sauce complex and savory.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Brings a toasty nutty aroma that is signature in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger: Adds freshness and a slight zing.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect blank canvas to soak up all that lovely sauce.
- Green onions (white and green parts, thinly sliced): For garnish, adding crunch and color.
- Toasted sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds nuttiness and texture.
How to Make Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
This first step sets the stage for all the flavor. Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook it for around 7-8 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. The goal here is to get a nice, even cook so every bite is juicy and tender. Once done, transfer the turkey to a clean plate and set it aside—your base protein is ready!
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
Using the same skillet, add the remaining three tablespoons of avocado oil. When it’s hot, toss in the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and yellow onion. Season with salt and pepper and sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be bright and crisp-tender, retaining that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender turkey and luscious sauce. The aroma from this step alone is already convincing you that this bowl is worth the effort.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
The secret to this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe’s rich taste lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, fish sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce if using, garlic, and ginger. This blend marries sweetness, acidity, umami, and a touch of spice into a sauce that will coat every ingredient and bring everything together harmoniously.
Step 4: Add Sauce to Filling
Pour your prepared sauce back into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a wooden spoon—a good indicator of perfect thickness. Now, add the cooked turkey back into the skillet and toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through. The sauce clinging to every morsel means you are almost ready to enjoy this comforting bowl that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
Serve your piping hot ground turkey teriyaki mixture over freshly cooked white rice. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking up all the glorious sauce and balancing the savory, sweet, and spicy notes in every mouthful. This step ties the dish together and makes each bite satisfying and filling.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
The little details make a huge difference. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top—this adds a lovely crunch, fresh aroma, and an aesthetic pop of color. These garnishes bring the dish alive and elevate it from simple to stunning right before you dig in.
Side Dishes
Light and fresh sides complement the richness of the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe perfectly. Consider serving it with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or a side of steamed edamame. Both are quick to prepare and add textural and flavor variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up for guests or meal prep? Serve the teriyaki turkey mixture inside a hollowed-out bell pepper or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can also layer ingredients in a glass jar or bowl to create an appealing, colorful parfait-style presentation that makes the eating experience even more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making this dish fantastic for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Portion the turkey and vegetable mixture (without the rice) into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water to the skillet or microwave-safe dish to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Reheat the rice separately for best texture. This way, your leftovers taste almost like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work perfectly with the teriyaki sauce, providing a similarly lean and tender base for the dish.
Is fish sauce necessary in the teriyaki sauce?
Fish sauce adds depth and umami, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it. The soy sauce and other ingredients will still make a tasty sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the full flavors safely.
How spicy is this Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe?
The spice level is mild by default, thanks to optional chili garlic sauce or sriracha. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you like!
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare and portion the components ahead of time so you can quickly reheat and assemble meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy days that still deserve a home-cooked touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe enough for anyone craving a homey, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together effortlessly. It hits every mark — comfort, taste, and convenience — and is a definite crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, whip this up soon, and enjoy a bowlful of happiness that your family and friends will love just as much as you do!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl featuring tender ground turkey and crisp-tender vegetables coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce, served over steaming white rice. This quick and easy stir-fry recipe balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Oils & Sauces
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- â…“ cup soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
Other
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
- Cooked white rice (amount as desired for serving)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts, for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 7-8 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked turkey to a clean plate and set aside.
- Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once hot, add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced onion. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are bright, crisp, and tender.
- Make the sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together in a large bowl the soy sauce or tamari, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, fish sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Add sauce to filling: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the vegetables evenly. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and toss everything together to combine and heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the turkey teriyaki stir-fry over bowls of cooked white rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty rice bowl.
Notes
- Fish sauce adds umami depth but can be omitted or substituted with extra soy sauce for a milder flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
- Use tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add more chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra heat.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
- To make the dish vegetarian, substitute turkey with firm tofu and skip fish sauce.
