Sticky Teriyaki Turkey Bowl

Effortless & Healthy Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl: Your New Go-To Meal Prep Recipe

Delicious Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl with broccoli and carrots, served over fluffy rice, perfect for a healthy and quick meal.















5 from 2 votes

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

By:

Julia Pacheco
Dive into the ultimate weeknight convenience with this sweet and savory teriyaki ground turkey rice bowl. Packed with vibrant vegetables and smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for your healthy meal prep routine.
Prep:

10
minutes


Cook:

20
minutes


Total:

30
minutes


Servings:

4
servings

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Looking for a dinner that’s both delicious and simple? This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl is your answer. It combines lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. This recipe is not just quick to make, requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also incredibly versatile and an excellent option for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Say goodbye to bland meals and hello to a burst of Asian-inspired flavors!

Why You’ll Adore This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

This teriyaki turkey rice bowl stands out for several reasons, making it a staple in any busy household:

  • Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in half an hour. Perfect for hectic weeknights!
  • Healthy & Wholesome: Ground turkey is a lean protein, and when combined with a medley of fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, it creates a balanced meal. The homemade sauce lets you control sugar and sodium levels.
  • Flavor-Packed: The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, infused with fresh ginger and garlic, elevates simple ingredients into a truly satisfying dish.
  • Excellent for Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch and portion it into containers for healthy, ready-to-eat meals throughout your week. It reheats beautifully!
  • Family-Friendly: The familiar and appealing flavors of teriyaki are generally a hit with both adults and children, making family dinner planning a breeze.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or by adjusting the sauce’s sweetness or spice level.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients beforehand, also known as “mise en place,” will make the cooking process even smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl:



  • 1
    tbs
    olive oil
    (or your preferred cooking oil)



  • 1
    white onion,
    diced (adds a foundational savory base)



  • 1
    lb
    ground turkey
    (93/7 lean is ideal for flavor and less fat)



  • 4
    large
    carrots,
    shredded (adds sweetness and color; pre-shredded is a time-saver)



  • 3
    cups
    fresh broccoli florets
    (cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)



  • 1
    tbs
    minced garlic
    (freshly minced makes a difference)



  • 1
    tbs
    minced ginger
    (adds a lovely aromatic kick)



  • ¼
    cup
    water
    (helps steam the vegetables to perfect tenderness)

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce



  • ½
    cup
    low sodium soy sauce
    (essential for authentic teriyaki flavor; use Tamari for gluten-free)



  • ¼
    cup
    water



  • ½
    tbs
    red wine vinegar
    (for a touch of tang; rice vinegar also works)



  • 1
    tbs
    brown sugar
    (for depth of sweetness)



  • 1
    tbs
    regular sugar
    (balances the flavors)

Cornstarch Slurry (Thickener)



  • 2
    tbs
    water



  • 1
    tbs
    cornstarch
    (our secret to a perfectly thick, glossy sauce)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowl. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor!

  • 1. Brown the Turkey & Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced white onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook the turkey until it is about 90% cooked through, meaning most of the pink color is gone, but it’s not yet fully browned and crispy. This initial cooking ensures the turkey is well-cooked while still allowing it to absorb flavors from the sauce later.

  • 2. Prepare the Sauce & Slurry: While the turkey is cooking, use this time to prepare your sauces. In a small bowl, combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients: ½ cup low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup water, ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon regular sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the sugars are dissolved and everything is well combined. Set this aside. In a separate small bowl, prepare your cornstarch slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. This slurry is crucial for thickening our teriyaki sauce. Set this aside as well.
  • 3. Add Aromatics & Vegetables: Once your ground turkey is nearly cooked, add the minced ginger and minced garlic to the pan. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add the shredded carrots, fresh broccoli florets, and ¼ cup of water to the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the vegetables are well distributed among the turkey. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes. This step allows the turkey to finish cooking and the broccoli and carrots to steam and soften to your desired tenderness. The water helps create steam for this process.

  • 4. Finish with Sauce: After the vegetables have reached your preferred tenderness (they should be tender-crisp, not mushy), give the prepared teriyaki sauce a quick whisk again to ensure everything is still mixed, then pour it over the turkey and vegetables in the pan. Immediately follow by adding the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir and simmer the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken and coats all the ingredients beautifully, taking on a glossy sheen. The sauce will thicken relatively quickly thanks to the cornstarch.

    Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, your Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl is ready to serve! We highly recommend serving this flavorful mixture over a bed of fluffy brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for a Perfect Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If using a smaller skillet, cook the turkey in two batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming.
  • Fresh Aromatics: While pre-minced garlic and ginger are convenient, fresh ones truly amplify the flavor of your teriyaki sauce.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste your teriyaki sauce before adding the slurry. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more sugar; if you like it tangier, a bit more vinegar.
  • Rice Choice: While brown rice is suggested for its health benefits, white rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa can be excellent alternatives.
  • Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep an eye on the broccoli and carrots. They should be tender-crisp for the best texture and nutrient retention.

Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand:

  • Protein Swap: Not a fan of turkey? Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even cubed firm tofu can be used instead.
  • Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or green beans. Adjust cooking times as needed.
  • Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure you use Tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Extra Garnish: Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal.

Meal Prep and Storage

This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl is a meal prepper’s dream! It’s delicious warm or cold, and holds up well in the fridge.

  • For Meal Prep: Divide the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture among individual airtight containers. Store rice separately if you prefer, or layer it at the bottom. This helps keep the rice from getting too soggy.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Video

Watch Julia Pacheco demonstrate how to make this delightful Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl and other easy weeknight meals in this helpful video guide. See the techniques in action and get inspired for your next dinner!

Nutrition


Calories:
274
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
24
g

|

Protein:
33
g

|

Fat:
6
g

|

Saturated Fat:
1
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.02
g

|

Cholesterol:
62
mg

|

Sodium:
1282
mg

|

Potassium:
946
mg

|

Fiber:
5
g

|

Sugar:
12
g

|

Vitamin A:
12469
IU

|

Vitamin C:
66
mg

|

Calcium:
82
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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