Pin The first time I made these bowls, I was rushing to get dinner on the table before my roommate's study group arrived. The smell of garlic and ginger hitting the hot oil made everyone wander into the kitchen, asking what was cooking.
My sister claimed she didn't like ground turkey until I served her these bowls. Now she texts me every time she makes them, usually with some variation about what vegetables she added from her CSA box that week.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Lean protein that absorbs all the bold flavors of the sauce without overwhelming the dish
- Broccoli florets: Steamed just until tender bright green so they still have a satisfying crunch
- Garlic and ginger: The aromatic foundation that fills your entire kitchen with an incredible smell
- Honey and sriracha: This dynamic combo creates that addictive sweet and spicy finish
- Soy sauce and rice vinegar: Provide the savory depth and brightness to balance the heat
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds that unmistakable nutty richness at the end
- Brown rice: Nutty and hearty, the perfect base to soak up every drop of sauce
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh pop and crunch that make these bowls feel complete
Instructions
- Get your rice going first:
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions so it is ready when you need to assemble the bowls
- Wake up the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned
- Brown the turkey:
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary
- Steam the broccoli:
- While the turkey cooks, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or microwave until bright green and just tender, about 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and set aside
- Whisk the magic sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated
- Let it all come together:
- Pour the sauce over the cooked turkey in the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld
- Build your bowls:
- Divide brown rice among bowls. Top with turkey mixture and steamed broccoli. Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds
Pin These became my go-to meal prep Sunday staple. There is something satisfying about opening the fridge on Monday and seeing four perfectly portioned bowls ready to grab and go.
Making It Your Own
Swap in ground chicken or pork if turkey is not your thing. Add bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. The sauce works with almost any protein and vegetable combo you have on hand.
Spice Level Guide
Start with one tablespoon sriracha for mild to medium heat. Two tablespoons will give you a noticeable kick without being overwhelming. If you love fire, work your way up slowly rather than dumping it all in at once.
Meal Prep Secrets
These bowls keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the garnishes separately and add them right before eating so everything stays fresh and crisp.
- Double the sauce recipe and keep half in a jar for quick stir fries later in the week
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a lighter version that still tastes amazing
- Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the sauce without drying out the turkey
Pin Hope these bowls become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen too. Nothing beats a dinner that comes together this fast and tastes this good.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
You can easily control the heat by modifying the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder flavor, use less or omit it entirely. If you prefer more intensity, feel free to add an extra dash or two until it suits your palate.
- → What other vegetables would complement these bowls?
This dish is versatile! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even thinly sliced zucchini would all make excellent additions. Simply add them to the skillet with the turkey towards the end of its cooking, or steam them alongside the broccoli.
- → Is this a good option for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This dish keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Simply portion out the cooked components into airtight containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- → Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes, you can! For a low-carb alternative, substitute the brown rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. These options will absorb the delicious sweet and spicy sauce beautifully, providing a lighter meal.
- → What are some creative ways to use leftovers?
Leftovers are fantastic! You can enjoy them cold as a salad topper, or warm them up and use them as a delicious filling for lettuce cups or whole wheat wraps. The flavors tend to meld even further overnight, making them extra tasty.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Certainly! Ground chicken or lean ground pork would be excellent substitutes for the ground turkey. Ensure they are cooked through before adding the sauce. For a vegetarian option, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh could also work well.