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Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls - Fast, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey: 1 pound (93% lean is ideal)
  • Cooked rice: 4 cups (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
  • Vegetable oil or sesame oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 1/3 cup
  • Water or chicken broth: 1/3 cup
  • Brown sugar or honey: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Mirin: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra gloss and sweetness)
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha: to taste
  • Sesame oil (to finish): 1 teaspoon
  • Green onions: 3–4, sliced
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
  • Veggies (pick 1–2): broccoli florets, shredded carrots, snap peas, bell pepper
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Lime or lemon wedges: optional, for brightness

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Make 4 cups of cooked rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. Leftover or microwaveable rice works well here.
  2. Prep the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, and mirin. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
  3. Chop and prep add-ins: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions. Cut any veggies into bite-size pieces.
  4. Sauté the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Brown the turkey: Add another splash of oil if needed. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  6. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn.
  7. Pour in the sauce: Stir the soy mixture into the turkey and bring to a simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  8. Thicken: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then pour it in while stirring. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha.
  9. Finish the filling: Return the sautéed veggies to the pan. Toss to coat. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil for shine and aroma. Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, or acidity.
  10. Assemble the bowls: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the teriyaki turkey and veggies. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add a squeeze of lime if you like.