Ground Turkey Rice Bowls (Printable)
Savory ground turkey over jasmine rice with crisp veggies and tangy sesame-soy sauce, ready in 35 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb ground turkey
→ Grains
02 - 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
03 - 2 cups water
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 medium carrot, grated
06 - 2 spring onions, sliced
07 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
08 - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
→ Sauces and Aromatics
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
11 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
12 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
13 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
14 - 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
→ Toppings
15 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
17 - Lime wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a medium saucepan, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes until grains are tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
02 - Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until evenly browned and no pink remains throughout.
04 - Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha if using. Add diced bell pepper and grated carrot, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and coated in the sauce.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Spoon the turkey and vegetable mixture over each portion of rice. Arrange shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, and spring onions alongside the turkey.
06 - Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, and a lime wedge on the side. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in two pans so cleanup is almost nonexistent.
- The sauce pulls double duty by seasoning the meat and tying the whole bowl together.
- It is endlessly adaptable based on whatever vegetables are hanging around your kitchen.
02 -
- Do not skip resting the rice after cooking because that final steam absorption is what makes each grain separate and tender.
- Breaking the turkey into small even pieces as it browns ensures every bite is seasoned rather than leaving clumps of plain meat.
03 -
- A splash of rice vinegar added to the cabbage while you prep everything else gives it a quick pickled quality that elevates the whole bowl.
- Toasting sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes transforms them from a garnish into something genuinely flavorful.