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Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowls, 30 minute dinner recipes for busy nights
Brittany Stage

Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

Ground turkey browns quickly in a skillet and gets coated in a simple soy-honey teriyaki sauce, then served over rice with cool cucumber and shredded carrots for a fast, family-friendly dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 445

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice uncooked, or use pre-cooked rice to save more time
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93 percent lean works well
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil such as vegetable or avocado oil
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots from a bag or grated fresh
  • 2 tbsp sliced green onions for serving
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional, for serving

Equipment

  • large skillet (12-inch)
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • rice cooker or medium saucepan with lid

Method
 

  1. Start your rice first. Cook it according to package directions on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. While it cooks, move on to the sauce and turkey so everything finishes around the same time. If you have leftover or pre-cooked rice, even better.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. This is important: whisking cornstarch into the liquid before it hits the hot pan keeps the sauce smooth.
  3. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and press it into a flat layer with your spatula. Let it cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is browned, then break it apart and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until no pink remains and the meat has some browned, slightly crispy bits throughout.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir it into the turkey. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Give the sauce mixture one more stir to redistribute the settled cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet. Stir to coat all the turkey. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that clings to the meat. Remove from heat.
  6. Divide the rice among four bowls. Spoon the teriyaki turkey over the rice. Top each bowl with sliced cucumber and shredded carrots. Scatter green onions and sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

For a lower-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice. The sauce recipe doubles easily if you want extra for drizzling over the vegetables.