Dinner

Asian Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe

Name: Asian Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic (pressed); 1.25 lbs lean ground turkey; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light); 1/4 cup soy sauce (or Tamari if gluten free); 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili paste (gochujang); 2 cups cooked white rice (5 minute instant white rice recommended); Asian pickled vegetables or finely chopped raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, jalapeños); About a handful of cilantro (chopped for topping); 1/4 cup soy sauce (or Tamari if gluten free); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili paste

ByMaya Quinn January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

This Asian Ground Turkey and Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory turkey with fragrant ginger and garlic, it’s served over fluffy white rice and topped with fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables for a satisfying bite every time.

A bowl with three main layers: the bottom layer is white cooked rice with a soft, fluffy texture; on top of the rice is a layer of cooked ground meat drizzled with a dark brown sauce; placed on one side are bright green sliced cucumbers arranged neatly in a fan shape; next to the cucumber is a small pile of thin, orange carrot strips sprinkled with black sesame seeds; scattered over the meat and carrot are chopped green onions and white sesame seeds. The bowl is white with slight brown speckles, set on a white marbled surface with chopsticks next to it, and in the background two small white bowls with sauces and chopped green onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (pressed)
1.25 lbs lean ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or Tamari if gluten free)
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chili paste (gochujang)
2 cups cooked white rice (5-minute instant rice works well)
Asian pickled vegetables or finely chopped raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, jalapeños)
Cilantro (about a handful, chopped for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large nonstick pan over high heat, warm the sesame oil and pressed garlic cloves for 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey and sprinkle with salt. Break up the turkey as it cooks for about 5 minutes until mostly cooked through.
Step 2: When only a little pink remains, add grated ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili paste. Continue cooking, stirring and breaking up the turkey for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked. Then turn off the heat.
Step 3: Cook white rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 4: Chop the cilantro and prepare your vegetables by draining pickled veggies or finely chopping raw vegetables.
Step 5: To assemble, divide the cooked rice into four bowls. Top each bowl with a quarter of the turkey mixture, add pickled or raw vegetables, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Adjust the chili paste amount to suit your spice preference.
For added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top.
Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Storage

Store leftover turkey and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the bowls to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of soft white rice, topped with a layer of cooked, crumbly ground meat seasoned with brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and sliced green onions. To one side, bright orange shredded carrots add a fresh, crunchy texture, while sliced green cucumbers with visible seeds and a light sprinkling of sesame seeds sit adjacent. Dark wooden chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will offer a similar texture and flavor.

What can I do if I don’t have chili paste?

If chili paste isn’t available, you can substitute with a mix of sriracha and a teaspoon of miso paste or a small amount of soy sauce and chili flakes for heat.