If you’re craving a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly on busy nights, my Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s cozy and satisfying with a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce that clings perfectly to tender ground turkey and fresh veggies. Trust me—once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners without the fuss.
- Healthy and Balanced: Lean ground turkey, vibrant veggies, and rice make it nourishing and filling.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, so it’s great for meal planning and leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. The combination of savory teriyaki sauce, lean turkey, and fresh veggies makes it both tasty and nourishing. Here’s a little insight on what to look for when shopping.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps the sodium in check while giving the sauce that signature umami punch.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness in the teriyaki.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Use less if you prefer your teriyaki less sweet—adjust to taste.
- Minced Garlic and Ground Ginger: Fresh is best, but pre-minced works well too for convenience.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the teriyaki sauce to the perfect glaze consistency.
- Ground Turkey: Choose fresh, lean turkey for moisture and protein-packed goodness.
- Diced Onion: Sweetness and depth building block for the ground turkey mix.
- Broccoli and Carrots: Fresh veggies add vibrant color and a nice crunch that everyone loves.
- Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh pop of flavor right before serving.
- Cooked Rice: White or brown rice works—choose your favorite base for the bowl.
Variations
I love experimenting with this teriyaki bowl to keep it fresh and exciting. Feel free to tweak it to fit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Making a recipe your own is what cooking’s all about!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist. I tried it once, and the sauce clings just as beautifully.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. My go-to when trying to sneak more greens into my kids’ plates.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat—I do this when I want something with a bit more zip.
- Grain Alternative: Try it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that’s still filling.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by mixing the cornstarch with warm water until it’s completely dissolved—this little step ensures your sauce thickens up perfectly without any lumps. Then, in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, sugars, garlic, and ginger until the sugars fully melt. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture while whisking and let it simmer gently until it thickens. Set aside and breathe in that amazing aroma—you’re off to a great start!
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Veggies
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onions. Stir frequently and watch closely—the onions cook quickly and can scorch if the heat is too high, so lower the heat if you see browning too soon. Once they’re softened, toss in minced garlic and let it get fragrant, about 1 minute. Add your ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook about halfway through—around 4-5 minutes—then stir in grated carrots and chopped broccoli. Keep cooking until the turkey is fully cooked and veggies are tender, roughly 5-6 more minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now!
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and veggies. Stir everything together well, letting all those flavors mingle. Simmer for about 5 minutes so the sauce fully coats the mixture and everything heats through. That final simmer brings everything together just right.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among your bowls, then generously top with the teriyaki turkey and veggie mixture. Sprinkle diced green onions over the top for freshness and a little crunchy bite. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness you just created!
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Cornstarch needs gentle simmering—keep whisking slowly and be patient to avoid lumps.
- Avoid Overcooking Turkey: Ground turkey can dry out fast. Stop cooking once it’s just cooked through and mix in the sauce to keep it moist.
- Prep Veggies Ahead: Chopping your broccoli and grating carrots before cooking saves time and makes the process seamless.
- Use Fresh Garnishes: Fresh green onions really brighten the dish and should never be skipped in my opinion!
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these bowls with a sprinkle of diced green onions—they add a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh bite. Sometimes, I add a few toasted sesame seeds for texture or even a drizzle of sriracha if I’m feeling adventurous. These simple garnishes can elevate the whole experience.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed edamame go beautifully alongside. I like pairing it with simple miso soup when aiming for a complete Japanese-inspired dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when entertaining friends, try serving your Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe in pretty glass bowls or bamboo bowls. Layer the rice first, then the turkey mixture, and finish with garnishes arranged neatly on top. It’s a simple way to add a bit of wow without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, separating the rice from the turkey mixture if I plan to eat it over a couple of days. This helps keep the rice from getting too soggy and the turkey tasting fresh.
Freezing
This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe freezes well! After cooking, let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the turkey and veggies in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce. Warm the rice separately in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble your bowl for a meal that tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. I suggest starting with turkey since it’s lean and cooks quickly, but feel free to adapt based on your preferences.
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How do I make the teriyaki sauce less sweet?
If you want a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown and granulated sugar by half or more. I sometimes use just 1 tablespoon of each instead of 2, which gives a nice balance of savory and sweet without overpowering the dish.
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Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
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What’s the best rice to use for this bowl?
White jasmine or long-grain rice works wonderfully, but I often prefer brown rice when I want extra fiber and nuttier flavor. Both are great—you can’t go wrong. Cooking the rice ahead of time also speeds up weeknight meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s so easy to make, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect spot between healthy and indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll feel the same way your family might start requesting it weekly, just like mine does!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and healthy Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl featuring ground turkey cooked with fresh vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over white or brown rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar (or less as desired)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (or less as desired)
- 2 teaspoons Minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Warm water
Ground Turkey and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup Diced onion
- 2 tablespoons Minced garlic
- 1 pound Ground Turkey
- 1 cup Broccoli, finely chopped
- 2 Large carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 Green onions, diced for garnish
- 4 cups Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and warm water until fully dissolved; set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until sugars dissolve completely. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture and simmer the sauce until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Ground Turkey and Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened without burning—lower heat if needed. Stir in minced garlic and add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until turkey is halfway done.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in grated carrots and chopped broccoli. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until turkey is fully cooked through and vegetables are soft.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over turkey and vegetables. Stir well to combine and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top with the teriyaki turkey and vegetable mixture. Garnish with diced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust sugar in the teriyaki sauce to your preference; using 1 tablespoon each of brown and granulated sugar yields a more savory flavor.
- Nutritional info is based on serving with white rice; substitute brown rice or reduce rice quantity to lower carbs and calories.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables.
- Serving size is approximately ¾ cup of rice and 1 cup of turkey/vegetable mixture; yields 4-6 servings depending on portion sizes.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on stove and equipment used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. ¾ cup rice + 1 cup turkey/veggies)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg