If you’re a fan of balanced, satisfying meals that come together quickly, this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, bold flavor, customizable components, and leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Bowl-style meals have become a staple for a reason. They’re flexible, comforting, and ideal for busy schedules. You get protein, vegetables, carbs, and sauce all in one place, with no complicated steps or fancy techniques. This version uses lean ground turkey simmered in a glossy, homemade teriyaki-style sauce, spooned generously over fluffy rice, and finished with creamy, spicy toppings that tie everything together.
What makes this bowl stand out is the texture and flavor contrast. The savory-sweet turkey pairs perfectly with tender-crisp vegetables, while the rice soaks up every bit of sauce. A drizzle of creamy mayo and a hit of heat take it from good to crave-worthy. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is still nourishing and practical for everyday cooking.
Tasty Teriyaki Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is often underestimated, but when cooked properly and paired with the right sauce, it’s incredibly flavorful. In this recipe, the turkey is browned with onion, garlic, and fresh ginger, creating a strong aromatic base. The sauce is added directly to the skillet, allowing it to thicken and coat every bite of meat and vegetables evenly.
The end result is rich without being heavy. The turkey stays juicy, the sauce is perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, and the vegetables blend seamlessly into the dish. Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
This bowl is also family-friendly. The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a great option even for picky eaters. You can easily adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to suit your preferences.
Recipe Ingredients
This recipe relies on everyday ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Nothing complicated, nothing hard to pronounce—just smart combinations that work well together.
Ground Turkey
Lean ground turkey is the star of the bowl. It provides plenty of protein while keeping the dish light. Cooking it with aromatics ensures it stays flavorful and moist.
Broccoli Slaw Mix
Instead of chopping multiple vegetables, a broccoli slaw mix saves time and adds texture. It cooks quickly and blends into the turkey, making it an easy way to add vegetables without extra prep.
Teriyaki-Style Sauce
The sauce is made from pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and a thickener. It comes together in minutes and tastes fresher than most bottled options.
Rice
White rice works beautifully as the base, soaking up the sauce and balancing the savory turkey. You can use any rice you prefer, as long as it’s cooked and fluffy.
Toppings
Creamy mayo, a drizzle of hot sauce, green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime elevate the bowl and add layers of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is.
- Protein swaps: Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well.
- Vegetable options: Bell peppers, snap peas, shredded cabbage, green beans, or bok choy can replace the slaw.
- Base alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great options depending on your needs.
- Sauce adjustments: Reduce sweetness or add extra ginger or garlic to suit your taste.
These small changes let you enjoy the same core recipe in different ways, without ever getting bored.
How to Make This Recipe
This bowl comes together quickly, especially if you start the rice first. Everything else cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup minimal and the process stress-free.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Prepare the rice according to package instructions and set it aside. Keep it covered so it stays warm while you prepare the turkey mixture.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, diced onion, and a small pinch of salt. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes slightly translucent. This step helps release moisture and builds the foundation of flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Turkey
Stir in the garlic and grated ginger. Cook just until fragrant, then add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and let it cook until it’s about halfway done.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the broccoli slaw. If your skillet is large enough, add it all at once; otherwise, add it in stages. Cover the pan and let everything steam and cook together for a few minutes.
Step 5: Make the Sauce in the Pan
Once the vegetables have softened and the turkey is fully cooked, create space in the skillet for the sauce. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and honey directly to the pan and stir until dissolved. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then pour it into the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Fold the sauce into the turkey and vegetables. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently until thickened. The sauce should coat everything evenly without being overly sticky.
Step 7: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon rice into bowls, top with the teriyaki turkey mixture, and finish with your favorite toppings. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything just before serving.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking once the sauce thickens.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep lunches.
Fun Serving Idea
Skip the rice and spoon the teriyaki turkey mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option. The contrast between the warm filling and cool lettuce is especially satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the turkey mixture and rice separately in airtight containers for up to four days.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The turkey mixture freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
You can, but making the sauce from scratch gives you better control over sweetness and sodium.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl pairs well with simple sides like a cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed edamame. You can also serve it with flavored rice for extra depth.
Print
Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl (Easy, Flavor-Packed & Weeknight-Friendly)
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
For the Bowls
2 cups cooked white rice
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 small white onion, diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 bag broccoli slaw mix
Salt, to taste
For the Sauce
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Toppings (Optional)
Creamy mayonnaise
Hot sauce
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook until softened.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until partially browned.
- Push turkey aside and add broccoli slaw. Cover and cook until vegetables soften.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil to the pan. Stir until dissolved.
- Mix cornstarch with water and pour into the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer until thickened.
- Serve over rice and add desired toppings before enjoying.
Notes
- Ideal for meal prep and weekday lunches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Adjust sweetness and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
