Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal made with lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce—all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s also perfect for meal prep and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and fuss-free: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthier takeout alternative: Made with lean ground turkey and a homemade sauce.
- Customizable: Great with a variety of veggies or different grains.
- Kid-approved: Sweet, savory, and satisfying for all ages.
- Meal prep friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground turkey
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Shredded carrots
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
For the teriyaki sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Ground ginger
- Garlic, minced
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
Directions
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce and stir well.
- Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add veggies: Stir in the broccoli and carrots. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the turkey and vegetables. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Serve: Spoon the mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein swap: Use ground chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Extra vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Spicy version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Sweet twist: Stir in pineapple chunks with the vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, store-bought sauce works in a pinch, but homemade lets you control the flavor and ingredients.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekday lunches.
What kind of rice should I use?
White, brown, jasmine, or even basmati rice all work well. Use what you prefer.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze the turkey mixture separately from the rice for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the turkey for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
What vegetables go well in this recipe?
Try zucchini, mushrooms, red bell peppers, or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just add them directly to the pan and cook a few extra minutes until tender.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding any extra salt.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a delicious, nutritious, and easy dinner solution that delivers bold flavor without a lot of effort. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade teriyaki favorite that’s better than takeout!
Print
Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a flavorful and easy dinner idea that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy ground turkey is coated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then served over fluffy rice with your favorite veggies. It’s a healthier take on takeout that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the turkey:
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
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1 lb ground turkey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the teriyaki sauce:
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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3/4 cup water
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For serving:
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice
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1 cup steamed broccoli
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and brown sugar until smooth. Set aside.
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
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Add garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.
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Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey.
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Serve over warm rice with steamed broccoli and shredded carrots.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
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Use jasmine or brown rice for more flavor.
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Swap the turkey for ground chicken or beef if you’d like.
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Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
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Make it spicy by adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.