Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls are a delicious, wholesome meal packed with tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice all coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and toppings. It’s perfect for meal prep or a satisfying family dinner, providing a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and the flavors are well combined.
2. Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the sauce mixture until smooth. Set aside; this will thicken the sauce when cooked with the turkey.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse and Cook the Rice: Begin by rinsing your rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Cook According to Instructions: Place rice in a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Ground Turkey: Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
3. Brown the Turkey: Sauté the turkey for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Make sure it’s nicely browned to enhance flavor.
4. Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir well, allowing the sauce to coat the turkey evenly. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the turkey is fully coated. Reduce heat to low while you prepare the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate pan, add a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli florets.
2. Sauté Until Tender-Crisp: Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
3. Optional Step: For added flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce to the vegetables as they cook, giving them an extra boost of umami.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer the Rice: Divide the cooked rice into individual serving bowls, creating a base layer.
2. Add the Turkey: Spoon a generous portion of the teriyaki-coated ground turkey over the rice.
3. Top with Vegetables: Add the sautéed vegetables around the turkey for a colorful presentation.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of sesame oil or more teriyaki sauce if desired.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

1. Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more or less brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a saltier flavor, add a touch more soy sauce.
2. Customize Vegetables: Use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Zucchini, snap peas, and mushrooms are great options for extra variety and nutrition.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Prepare the bowls, let them cool, and store in individual containers for up to four days in the refrigerator.
4. Spice It Up: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey while cooking, or drizzle sriracha over the bowl.
5. Alternative Proteins: Ground chicken, pork, or even tofu are excellent substitutes for ground turkey if you prefer a different protein source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of the teriyaki sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely. Ground chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu can work well in place of ground turkey. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if using.

4. What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Try adding greens like spinach or kale in the last minute of cooking the turkey. You can also add frozen peas, edamame, or mushrooms for extra variety.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl recipe is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that’s ideal for busy days and satisfying weeknight dinners. With its savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, lean ground turkey, and a mix of vibrant vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and comforting. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy this wholesome meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to make!

Yield: 4

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe

Print

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls are a delicious, wholesome meal packed with tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice all coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and toppings. It’s perfect for meal prep or a satisfying family dinner, providing a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Teriyaki Turkey
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• For the Bowls
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Turkey:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
   
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
   Add the minced garlic and ginger to the turkey and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Pour in the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
   
4. Assemble the Bowls:
   Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top each bowl with the teriyaki turkey, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, steamed broccoli, and sliced green onions.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy warm.

Notes

Customize the Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame for variety.

Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.