Ground Turkey Rice Bowls (Easy Ground Turkey and Rice Recipe)

These ground turkey rice bowls are quick, savory, and loaded with bold Asian-inspired flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal prep. Ground turkey gets cooked with garlic, ginger, chili paste, soy sauce, and a splash of fish sauce, then simmered down into a deeply flavorful mixture that tastes incredible over fluffy white rice or brown rice. If you’re looking for new ground turkey recipes or a simple ground turkey and rice recipe to add to your rotation, these bowls are a total winner. I love building easy ground turkey and rice meals, like my Ground Turkey Casserole, and these bowls are just as simple to make and just as satisfying to eat.

Why You'll Love This Ground Turkey and Rice Recipe

I love this ground turkey and rice bowl recipe because it takes a simple pack of ground turkey and turns it into something that actually feels exciting to eat. Instead of plain turkey on rice, the meat gets cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili paste, and a little fish sauce, so it develops that sweet-salty-spicy flavor you’d normally expect from good takeout. The sauce thickens and coats the turkey in a glossy, savory glaze that soaks into the rice and makes every bite super satisfying.

On top of that, it checks all the boxes I want in a ground turkey and rice recipe: it’s fast enough for a weeknight, lean but still hearty, and reheats really well for meal prep. You can cook the turkey in the time it takes the rice to finish, portion it into containers, and you’ve got high-protein lunches ready to go.

I also love how customizable these ground turkey rice bowls are. You can keep them very simple for a quick dinner, or build them out with shredded carrots or cabbage, steamed broccoli, cucumbers, fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, chili oil, or even a fried egg on top. It’s one of those ground turkey recipes you can tweak based on whatever you have in the fridge, so it slides easily into your weekly rotation without ever feeling repetitive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bowls:

• ⅔ cup uncooked rice (makes about 2 cups cooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or minced fresh ginger)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (sambal oelek or similar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Chili oil
• Hot sauce
• Sliced green onion
• Sliced chili peppers
• Fried egg
• Steamed or sautéed vegetables

How To Make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Cook your rice according to the package directions (white, brown, or jasmine all work great) and set it aside, covered, to stay warm. You want it fluffy and ready to go by the time the turkey is done.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey with Aromatics

Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the chili paste, soy sauce, a splash of fish sauce, and any other seasonings your recipe calls for. Mix well so the turkey is evenly coated. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the turkey.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Add a scoop of rice to each bowl (this recipe makes two decent-sized servings). Spoon the saucy ground turkey over the top, then finish with your favorite toppings, like sliced green onions, shredded carrots or cabbage, cucumbers, sesame seeds, chili oil, or a fried egg. Serve warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

• Choose the right ground turkey (not too lean). For flavorful, juicy ground turkey rice bowls, use 93/7 or 90/10 ground turkey. Extra-lean turkey (like 99% lean) can dry out and taste bland, especially in a quick skillet recipe. A little bit of fat helps the turkey brown properly and gives you a much better texture and flavor.
• Build flavor with aromatics first. Garlic, ginger, and chili paste are the backbone of this ground turkey and rice recipe. Sauté them with the turkey (or just after browning) so they bloom in the pan and infuse the meat. Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor and really separate this from a plain ground turkey recipe.
• Don’t be afraid of fish sauce—it won’t taste “fishy.” Fish sauce might sound intense if you haven’t cooked with it much, but in small amounts it just adds deep, savory umami. Even 1 teaspoon can completely transform your ground turkey mixture and make it taste more like something you’d get from a good Asian takeout spot. Add it with the soy sauce and taste; you’ll notice richness, not fishiness.
• Taste and adjust the heat level. Chili paste can vary a lot in spice level depending on the brand and type. Start with a smaller amount, taste the turkey mixture, and then add more if you want a bigger kick. If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, you can keep the base mild and let everyone add extra chili oil or chili flakes to their own rice bowl.
• Use hot, fluffy rice—or fry it for extra texture. These ground turkey rice bowls work with fresh, hot rice or slightly cooled rice. If you want more texture, you can use day-old rice and lightly fry it in a bit of oil before adding the turkey on top. Fried rice-style bowls give you crispy bits and a chewier bite that pairs really well with the saucy turkey.
• Add vegetables to turn it into a full one-bowl meal. One of the best things about this ground turkey and rice recipe is how easy it is to turn into a veggie-loaded bowl. Stir-fry or steam veggies like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, snap peas, or shredded cabbage and toss them right into the skillet or pile them on top of the rice. It makes the bowls more colorful, more filling, and more nutrient-dense without much extra work.
• Finish with fresh toppings for balance. Fresh elements keep the bowls from feeling heavy. Sliced green onions, cilantro, cucumber, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, lime wedges, or a drizzle of chili oil all add brightness and texture. Think of the ground turkey as the base and the toppings as how you customize each bowl.
• Top with a fried or jammy egg for extra protein. A fried egg or jammy soft-boiled egg on top instantly upgrades these ground turkey rice bowls. The runny yolk mixes into the rice and sauce, making everything richer and more satisfying. It’s an easy way to turn this into a high-protein, restaurant-style rice bowl at home.
• Adjust the sauce to your preferred saltiness. Different soy sauces and broths can vary in salt level. Start with the amount in the recipe, then taste the turkey mixture before serving. If it needs more salt, add a splash of soy sauce; if it tastes too salty, you can balance it with a pinch of sugar, a squeeze of lime, or a little more rice when you build your bowls.
• Use this as a base for other ground turkey recipes. Once you get comfortable with this method—browning ground turkey, building a quick pan sauce, and serving it over rice—you can riff on it in endless ways. Swap the chili paste and fish sauce for taco seasoning and salsa for a Tex-Mex style turkey rice bowl, or use Italian herbs and tomato paste for a totally different flavor profile. It’s a flexible, reliable template you can keep coming back to whenever you need a fast ground turkey and rice recipe.

Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Ground Turkey Rice Bowls: If you love heat, bump up the chili paste, add a pinch of cayenne, or drizzle chili oil over the finished bowls. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
• Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowls: Swap the chili paste and fish sauce for teriyaki sauce and a splash of rice vinegar. Keep the garlic and ginger, and add a little honey if you want it sweeter. Serve with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds for a teriyaki-style ground turkey and rice recipe.
• Ground Turkey Fried Rice Bowls: Use day-old rice and push the cooked turkey to one side of the pan. Scramble an egg (or two) on the empty side, then toss everything together with the rice. Add peas, carrots, and a bit more soy sauce for a full ground turkey fried rice bowl.
• Veggie-Packed Ground Turkey Bowls: Stir in extra vegetables like shredded cabbage, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can sauté them with the turkey or cook them separately and layer them over the rice. This is an easy way to turn your ground turkey rice bowls into a more filling, veggie-heavy meal.
• Low-Carb Ground Turkey Bowls: Skip the regular rice and serve the saucy ground turkey over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. You still get all the big flavors from the garlic, ginger, and soy mixture, just in a lighter, low-carb bowl.
• Peanut or Tahini Drizzle: For a nutty twist, whisk together peanut butter or tahini with a bit of soy sauce, lime juice, and water until pourable. Drizzle it over the bowls right before serving. It adds richness and gives the ground turkey and rice a whole different vibe.

Ground Turkey Rice Bowl FAQs

Can I meal prep these ground turkey rice bowls?

Yes, these bowls are perfect for meal prep. For the best texture, store the cooked ground turkey and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat the turkey in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot, then spoon it over freshly warmed rice and add your toppings.

Can I double this ground turkey and rice recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales really easily. You can double (or even triple) the ground turkey, sauce, and rice to make 4–6 servings. Just make sure you use a large enough skillet so the turkey browns instead of steaming, and taste the sauce as you go so the seasoning stays balanced.

Can I swap the meat for something else?

Yes, you can use other ground meats if you don’t have turkey. Ground chicken, pork, or beef all work well with this sauce. Keep in mind that pork and beef are richer, so you may want to skim off excess fat after browning or adjust the salt slightly since they have more flavor on their own.

Can I freeze the cooked ground turkey?

Yes. The saucy ground turkey freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, then serve over fresh rice for an easy ground turkey and rice meal.

Is this ground turkey rice bowl recipe spicy?

As written, it’s mild to medium, depending on the chili paste you use. If you prefer a gentler bowl, reduce the amount of chili paste or skip the red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, you can add extra chili paste, drizzle chili oil on top, or garnish with sliced jalapeños.

What kind of rice is best for these bowls?

White jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, or brown rice all work well. Jasmine gives you a soft, slightly sticky base that soaks up the sauce nicely. Brown rice adds a bit more chew and fiber. You can also use cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option.

Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?

Yes, and it’s a great way to turn this into a full one-pan meal. You can sauté finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas with the turkey or after the turkey is browned. Just cook the veggies until tender-crisp, then add the sauce ingredients and finish the recipe as usual.

My Final Thoughts

These ground turkey rice bowls are exactly the kind of recipe you want in your regular rotation. It's fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. The savory mix of garlic, ginger, soy, and a little chili turns simple ground turkey into something you actually look forward to eating, and the bowls only get better once you load them up with your favorite toppings. Whether you keep it simple or build it out with veggies, herbs, and a fried egg, this is a healthy, high-protein meal that’s perfect for busy nights and meal prep.

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