If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, packed with wholesome ingredients, and easily whipped up any night of the week, this Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground turkey cooked with vibrant veggies, all generously coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, then served over fluffy rice for the perfect cozy bowl that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re a busy home cook or simply looking for a comforting dinner, this dish brings together the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki in a way that’s both nourishing and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, from the rich umami of soy sauce to the fresh crunch of broccoli and carrots. They’re simple yet essential, making this recipe approachable while delivering on taste.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory foundation of the teriyaki sauce with less sodium.
- ¼ cup water: Lightens the sauce and helps balance intense flavors.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without overpowering the sauce.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone throughout the sauce.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Adds a gentle, spicy zest that’s signature to teriyaki.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect glossy consistency.
- 2 tbsp warm water (to dissolve cornstarch): Ensures smooth incorporation of the thickener without lumps.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used to sauté and bring out the flavors in the turkey and veggies.
- ½ cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Boosts the savory aroma in the turkey mixture.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein star that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli: Provides crunch and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and grated: Adds natural sweetness and a bright orange hue.
- 2 green onions, diced (for garnish): Lends a fresh, crisp finish to each bowl.
- 4 cups cooked white or brown rice: The comforting, filling base that brings everything together.
How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch with warm water to form a smooth slurry, then gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce. Allow it to thicken to a glossy, syrupy finish before setting it aside—this sauce will be the magic that ties your dish together.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and translucent. This base layer of flavor is what elevates the entire dish, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Break it apart and cook until it’s no longer pink and starts to develop a lovely golden color. This ensures a juicy texture that will soak up the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Into the skillet, sprinkle the finely chopped broccoli and freshly grated carrots. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften just enough to retain a bit of crunch—they add not only nutrition but also a wonderful texture contrast in each bite.
Step 5: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every morsel is coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. Let it cook together for a minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice and Garnish
Spoon the turkey and teriyaki mixture generously over a bed of warm, cooked rice. Top each bowl with diced green onions for a fresh, slightly pungent crunch that brightens the flavors just right.
How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor of your Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or a handful of thinly sliced red chili peppers. These little touches add texture and a pleasant pop of spice that complements the sweet-savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame, offering refreshing elements that contrast the rich teriyaki bowl and keep your meal balanced and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve this mix inside lettuce cups for a fun handheld option or layer it in a bento box with pickled vegetables and a hard-boiled egg for a colorful and nutritious meal on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover teriyaki turkey and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen when stored, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep the meal longer, freeze the turkey and vegetable mixture separately from the rice to retain the best texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftovers is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm everything evenly. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will give you a similar mild flavor that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with firm tofu or tempeh and increase the amount of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian twist on this bowl.
How spicy is this Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe?
It’s designed to be sweet and savory without much heat, but you can easily add chili flakes or chili sauce if you prefer a kick of spice.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Both white and brown rice work well. Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nuttier taste, while white rice provides a softer, milder base that lets the teriyaki flavors shine.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. Making the sauce in advance saves time on busy days and allows the flavors to deepen. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your soul and delights your taste buds with every bite. It’s simple to make, full of vibrant colors and flavors, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
Print
Teriyaki Turkey Rice 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
This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl is a flavorful and healthy meal featuring tender ground turkey and fresh vegetables tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with the wholesome goodness of broccoli and carrots.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp warm water (to dissolve cornstarch)
Turkey and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
Assembly
- 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 green onions, diced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a saucepan, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, 2 tsp minced garlic, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp warm water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and 2 tbsp minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is evenly browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and grated carrots with the turkey. Cook together for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch.
- Combine with teriyaki sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the teriyaki turkey and vegetable mixture over 4 cups of cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with the diced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the amount of brown and granulated sugars to suit your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Use fresh ginger if available for a stronger ginger flavor.
- Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber compared to white rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
