Name: Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 medium carrot, shredded; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed bowl that won’t weigh you down, this Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl is about to become your new weeknight staple. Lean ground turkey, crisp veggies, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce all come together over nutty brown rice for a dish that tastes every bit as irresistible as takeout, but with a wholesome, homemade twist. The balance of sweet and savory, paired with satisfying textures and vibrant colors, means every bite feels like a little victory on your journey toward better eating.

Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is its simplicity—each ingredient makes an impact, bringing something special to the overall taste, texture, or visual appeal. These pantry and fridge staples combine for a bowl that’s speedy to make but full of character.

Lean Ground Turkey: Lighter than beef but still hearty and tender, it soaks up the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
Brown Rice: Offers a nutty, chewy foundation that ties everything together, plus some extra fiber.
Broccoli Florets: Bright green and crisp, they add both crunch and nutritional punch.
Carrot, Shredded: Adds gentle sweetness and a playful pop of color and crunch.
Green Onions: The perfect finishing touch—fresh, sharp, and a little peppery.
Olive Oil: Keeps everything from sticking and gives a subtle richness to the turkey.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant, irresistible base flavor to the savory sauce.
Fresh Ginger: Offers a zippy, warm note that brightens the teriyaki sauce.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Forms the essential salty, umami backbone of the sauce—just lower in sodium for a healthier touch.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Balances the soy sauce with glossy, natural sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: Adds zing and lift to the sauce, keeping things balanced.
Cornstarch: The secret to that perfect, silky-smooth teriyaki glaze.
Water: Whisks with cornstarch to help the sauce thicken just right.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds tons of toasty, nutty depth.
Sesame Seeds (optional): For a final flourish of color and crunch—totally worthy if you have them!

How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Turkey

Start with a hot skillet and a swirl of olive oil—this is where the magic begins! Add the ground turkey and break it up gently as it browns; you want juicy little morsels, not big clumps. Keep an eye on the pan and cook just until the turkey’s no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. This sets the savory base for your Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl.

Step 2: Add Flavor with Garlic and Ginger

Time to unlock that signature teriyaki aroma: toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let them sizzle for about a minute, stirring constantly so they don’t burn. The scent rising from the skillet right now? Absolutely irresistible, and it means delicious things are on the way.

Step 3: Whisk and Add the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until everything is smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture right over your cooked turkey in the skillet. Stir gently, watching as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This is the essential teriyaki moment!

Step 4: Steam or Sauté the Vegetables

While the sauce thickens, quickly steam or lightly sauté the broccoli until it’s just tender but still vibrant green. You want the veggies to keep a little bite for texture. Add them to the skillet, along with the shredded carrot, and let everything mingle together for a minute or two.

Step 5: Drizzle Sesame Oil and Toss

Off the heat, drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the mixture and give it a final toss. The aroma instantly transforms the pan into something special, tying all the flavors together with an irresistible nutty note. Your Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl is just moments away!

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Scoop a cozy bed of brown rice into each bowl, then spoon the turkey and veggie mixture over the top. Scatter with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like the added crunch. It’s restaurant quality in your own kitchen—pop your chopsticks in!

How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Nothing brings this bowl together like a handful of vibrant garnishes. Sliced green onions add freshness, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a subtle crunch and a bit of visual flair. For something extra, toss in a few thinly sliced radishes or even a drizzle of sriracha for a little kick—make it your own!

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl, try pairing it with a simple Asian-inspired side. Steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or miso soup are all fantastic options. Each adds a little variety and keeps your meal feeling complete and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your family or guests by serving the bowls family-style—pile the turkey mixture on a platter, arrange the garnishes, and let everyone build their own. Layer the bowl “deconstructed” style for a more modern look, or use bento lunch boxes for a fun, portable twist that’s perfect for meal-prepping lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The turkey and veggie mixture will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, and the flavors seem to deepen and improve overnight.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze portions of the turkey mixture (without the rice) for quick, future meals. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for a near-instant dinner.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your turkey and veggies gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to make sure it heats evenly throughout.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice works just as well in a Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl, offering a softer, slightly sweeter base. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly or try jasmine rice for extra fragrance.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos when making your teriyaki sauce. The rest of the recipe should be naturally gluten-free, making it an easy modification.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl is super flexible—try adding snap peas, red bell pepper, mushrooms, or even baby spinach for a custom veggie blend. Just keep the cooking times in mind so all your veggies stay crisp-tender.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

Ground chicken or lean ground beef are excellent substitutes, and even plant-based ground “meat” alternatives work beautifully for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning as needed since each protein brings a unique flavor profile.

How spicy can I make it?

For a spicier take, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce. You can also offer hot sauce or chili garlic sauce at the table so everyone can dial up the heat to their own liking.

Final Thoughts

The Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl is one of those go-to meals that’s quick to make, nourishing, and outrageously tasty every single time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for more—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed meal with loved ones. Give it a try and let this wholesome, crowd-pleasing favorite become a regular on your menu!

Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl is a flavorful and nutritious meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner. Lean ground turkey is cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served over brown rice with colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Teriyaki Turkey:

1 pound lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, shredded
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook turkey until browned. Add garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce: Whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Pour over turkey, cook until thickened.
Prepare the Vegetables: Steam or sauté broccoli until tender. Add carrot to the skillet.
Combine and Serve: Toss everything with sesame oil. Serve over rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.