Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls
Skip the takeout and whip up these flavorful Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls in under 30 minutes! Made with lean ground turkey, a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, and served over fluffy rice with crisp veggies, this easy dinner is a weeknight hero your whole family will love.
This recipe came about during one of those busy weeknights when I needed something fast, budget-friendly, and healthier than delivery.
I had a pound of ground turkey in the fridge, some leftover rice, and a half-full bottle of soy sauce.
With a little experimenting and tweaking, I created a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s now a family favorite.
It’s perfect for meal prep and customizable with any veggies you’ve got on hand.
These rice bowls quickly became a regular in our dinner rotation, and I’m thrilled to share this easy recipe with you.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal takes about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean ground turkey and packed with vegetables, it’s a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or make-ahead dinners.
- Customizable: Use any veggies you like—broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or edamame all work well.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisines: Asian-inspired, American
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $12 total / $3 per serving
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium saucepan (for rice)
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package directions. While it cooks, make the turkey and sauce.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously until it thickens and coats the turkey, about 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice into four bowls. Top with teriyaki turkey, steamed broccoli, carrots, and optional toppings like sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic: It boosts the flavor and makes the dish feel more authentic.
- Double the Sauce: If you like your rice bowls extra saucy, double the sauce ingredients.
- Try a Veggie Swap: Use frozen stir-fry veggies or whatever’s in your fridge to keep it flexible.
- Make it Spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- ¼ cup chopped green onions optional
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package directions. While it cooks, make the turkey and sauce.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously until it thickens and coats the turkey, about 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice into four bowls. Top with teriyaki turkey, steamed broccoli, carrots, and optional toppings like sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic: It boosts the flavor and makes the dish feel more authentic.
- Double the Sauce: If you like your rice bowls extra saucy, double the sauce ingredients.
- Try a Veggie Swap: Use frozen stir-fry veggies or whatever’s in your fridge to keep it flexible.
- Make it Spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Common Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
What rice works best for this recipe?
White rice, brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice can be used depending on your preference.
Thanks for stopping by and giving this Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls recipe a try.
I hope it brings ease to your weeknight dinners and becomes a staple in your kitchen.
Wishing you happy cooking and full bellies!
