If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, I absolutely love sharing this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe with friends and family. It’s full of vibrant veggies, lean protein, and that perfectly saucy teriyaki flavor that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just craving a bowl that feels homemade yet special, this recipe will become your go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Lean: Ground turkey keeps things light but satisfying, making it a guilt-free comfort meal.
- Customizable Veggies: You can easily swap or add your favorite vegetables depending on what’s in season or your fridge.
- Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet, savory, with just the right kick of garlic and ginger, it’s homemade magic every time.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just about 35 minutes – perfect for busy evenings when you want something wholesome fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe is how simple yet flavor-packed the ingredients are. The salty-sweet teriyaki sauce comes together with pantry staples, while fresh veggies provide texture and balance. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and try to get ground turkey that’s as lean as possible for the best texture.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Controls saltiness so the sauce isn’t overpowering, and balances well with the sweetness.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the sugars nicely.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: For a deep, mellow sweetness, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Minced Garlic & Ground Ginger: These aromatics give the sauce an authentic, mouthwatering flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly—don’t skip it or the sauce will stay runny.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and versatile, it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed gently.
- Broccoli: Finely chopped to blend well with the turkey and soak up flavors.
- Carrots: Grated for a subtle crunch and natural sweetness.
- Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a bite of freshness.
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: Your base for the bowl—brown adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Variations
I love how flexible this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe is — it’s a recipe that really invites you to make it your own. I often tweak the veggies or swap in different proteins when I’m feeling adventurous, and it always turns out delicious.
- Vegetable Swaps: Sometimes I add snap peas or bell peppers instead of broccoli for a crunchier bite — my family goes crazy for it!
- Protein Alternatives: If turkey isn’t your fave, lean ground chicken or even tofu cubes are great substitutes.
- Less Sweet, More Savory: I discovered cutting down the sugar by half makes this perfect for those who prefer savory dishes.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gave me a nice little zing on a cold day.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
First things first, mix your cornstarch and warm water in a small bowl until it’s completely dissolved — this little trick is key so you don’t get lumps in your sauce later. Then, gently whisk together the soy sauce, water, vinegar, sugars, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir slowly as you add the cornstarch mix and watch the sauce thicken—it usually takes just a few minutes. Remove it from heat and set it aside; the aroma by this point will have you eager for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey and Veggies
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Toss in the diced onions and keep stirring to soften them without letting them brown too much—this keeps your sauce tasting sweet, not bitter. Then add the minced garlic and soon after, crumble in the ground turkey. Stir occasionally letting it cook halfway through—that’s about 4-5 minutes—and then add your grated carrots and chopped broccoli. Keep cooking until the turkey is no longer pink and the veggies have softened, around 5-6 minutes. Honestly, this part is where everything starts to come together and smell incredible!
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggies, giving everything a good stir to coat it evenly. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just right. At this point, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Asian-inspired restaurant. Seriously, it’s hard to resist stealing a forkful already!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Divide your cooked rice into bowls, then spoon the piping hot teriyaki turkey mixture on top. Sprinkle with those fresh diced green onions for a pop of color and that subtle onion bite. Serve it right away and prepare to be wowed by how satisfying and flavorful every bite is.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Stir the cornstarch mixture slowly into the simmering sauce so it thickens smoothly without clumps.
- Keep Veggies Small: Chop your broccoli finely and grate the carrots so they cook evenly and blend well with the turkey.
- Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Fresh beats powdered every time for a brighter, more authentic flavor in your sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Onions: Keep the heat moderate, and stir often to avoid burnt bits; they can make your sauce bitter.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with green onions—they bring freshness and a mild but sharp finish that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet sauce. If I have it on hand, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a drizzle of sriracha adds a nice touch of flavor and texture. These simple toppings really elevate the dish without fuss.
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, I typically pair this bowl with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame for an extra dose of green goodness. Sometimes, I serve miso soup on the side if I’m making this for a special occasion—it makes the meal feel complete and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I’ve arranged the Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe in bento-style boxes with compartments holding pickled veggies, seaweed salad, and sliced avocado. It’s colorful and feels fun to eat. You could also serve it in warm lettuce cups for a hands-on twist that’s light and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I love making this recipe in advance because the leftovers keep really well. After cooling, I store the turkey and veggie mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the rice and turkey separate if you can—it helps everything stay fresh and not soggy.
Freezing
Freezing worked surprisingly well for me! I pack the turkey and veggies without rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it freezes for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend defrosting overnight in the fridge and reheating gently on the stove for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the turkey mixture on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. I like to add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The rice reheats well in the microwave or steamed on the stovetop—just fluff it up before serving. This keeps your bowl tasting fresh and saucy every time.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well with the teriyaki sauce. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since some ground chicken can be a bit wetter and may need slightly less cooking time.
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How can I make this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else stays the same, and the flavor remains authentic and delicious.
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Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the teriyaki sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir or gentle reheat before adding it to the turkey and veggies.
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What kind of rice works best with this bowl?
Both white and brown rice work wonderfully. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber but takes slightly longer to cook. I often go with jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
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Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to toss in your favorites like snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly so everything stays crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation. It’s that perfect mix of quick, wholesome, and totally flavorful that keeps everyone at the table happy and coming back for seconds. If you’ve been searching for a simple, yet crave-worthy bowl, try this recipe – I’m confident you’ll love how easy it is to make and how much your family will enjoy it. Happy cooking, friend!
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
Description
A flavorful and healthy Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl featuring ground turkey cooked with fresh vegetables in a homemade sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over steamed white or brown rice. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
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
- 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 the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this mixture aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently whisk together soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until the sugars fully dissolve. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften without scorching. Turn down heat immediately if onions start to brown too quickly. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Turkey and Vegetables: Add ground turkey to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the turkey is about halfway cooked. Add grated carrots and chopped broccoli, continuing to cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened.
- Combine with Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked turkey and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let it simmer together for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked white or brown rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each portion with the teriyaki turkey mixture. Garnish with diced green onions and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- The teriyaki sauce can be adjusted to taste by reducing the sugar to 1 tablespoon each for a less sweet and more savory flavor.
- Using brown rice or reducing the amount of rice can lower calories and carbohydrates in the dish.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- A serving size is approximately ¾ cup of rice and one cup of the turkey and vegetable mixture.
- Serving sizes may vary depending on how vegetables are cooked down and cut.
- This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings depending on portion size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup turkey mixture with 3/4 cup rice)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
