Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1 Tbsp sesame oil (or favorite cooking oil)

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp grated ginger

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp onion powder

3 Tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)

1-2 Tbsp sriracha

2-3 Tbsp chicken broth

2 tsp honey

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

2 tsp corn starch

½ cup mayonnaise

3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce

½-1 Tbsp sriracha (for bang bang sauce, adjust spice level)

1 tsp rice vinegar

2 tsp honey (for bang bang sauce)

Rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, shelled edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced green onion, sesame seeds, and other favorite toppings

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bang Bang Sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk well and adjust the flavor by adding extra sriracha for heat or more honey and sweet chili sauce for sweetness. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, soy sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, black pepper, and sea salt to the turkey. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Sprinkle corn starch over the turkey mixture and stir well. This will thicken the sauce. For extra flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce into the meat just before serving (optional).

Step 5: Assemble your rice bowls by layering cooked rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, edamame, pickled onions, avocado, shredded cabbage, and the turkey mixture. Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken or pork as a substitute for turkey based on your preference.

Add crushed peanuts or cashews on top for extra crunch.

Swap out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce.

To save time, prepare the bang bang sauce a day ahead to let the flavors meld.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free. Also, check that the sweet chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a moderate heat level from the sriracha, which can be adjusted by adding more or less to suit your taste. The sweetness from honey and sweet chili sauce balances the spice nicely.