Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls With Creamy Avocado Lime Drizzle

Looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? These Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls are here to save the day! Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, we’ve swapped shrimp for lean ground turkey and created a creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive sauce. The cool, refreshing avocado lime drizzle perfectly balances the heat, while vibrant veggies and crunchy toppings add texture and freshness. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• 250 g (1 cup) Jasmine Rice: We’re using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which holds the sauce beautifully. Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
• 480 ml (2 cups) Water: The perfect ratio for cooking fluffy jasmine rice. Using the correct water measurement is key to achieving the ideal rice consistency.
• 400 g (14 oz) Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey provides a healthy protein base for these bowls. You can use either ground turkey breast or a blend of dark and light meat, depending on your preference.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the turkey, vegetable oil has a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the other ingredients. Canola or sunflower oil are also good substitutes.
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) Mayonnaise (egg‑based): The base of our Bang Bang sauce! Full-fat mayonnaise provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Sriracha Sauce: This is where the ‘bang’ comes from! Sriracha adds a delightful kick of heat and a subtle sweetness. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Honey: Balances the spice from the sriracha and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Soy Sauce (halal‑certified): Adds umami and saltiness to the Bang Bang sauce. Using a halal-certified soy sauce ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tanginess that brightens up the sauce.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 clove Garlic, minced: Essential for adding depth of flavor to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• ½ tsp (2 g) Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note to the sauce.
• 1 Avocado, ripe: The star of our creamy drizzle! Make sure your avocado is ripe – it should yield to gentle pressure.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the avocado drizzle. Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil: Used in the avocado drizzle to create a smooth and creamy texture.
• ¼ cup (15 g) Fresh Cilantro Leaves, plus extra for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the avocado drizzle and a beautiful garnish.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all components.
• ½ cup (75 g) Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• ½ cup (75 g) Cucumber, thinly sliced: Provides a cool and refreshing element.
• ¼ cup (30 g) Shelled Edamame (optional): Adds a boost of protein and a slightly nutty flavor.
• 2 tbsp (15 g) Toasted Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Toasted Sesame Seeds for garnish: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or pork can be used instead.
• Jasmine Rice: Brown rice or quinoa are healthy alternatives.
• Sriracha: Use another chili sauce, like gochujang or sambal oelek, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

Let’s Build Your Bang Bang Turkey Bowls: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier, less sticky rice.
2. Cook the Rice: Combine the rinsed rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Crucially, do *not* lift the lid during simmering! After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice. Finally, fluff with a fork.
3. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha for desired spice level. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld while you cook the turkey.
4. Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Ensure there’s no pink remaining.
5. Combine Turkey and Sauce: Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the cooked turkey in the skillet. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm while you prepare the avocado lime drizzle and toppings.
6. Make the Avocado Lime Drizzle: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro leaves, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the drizzle is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Prep the Toppings: Place the shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, and edamame (if using) in a bowl. Having these ready to go makes assembly quick and easy.
8. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the fluffy jasmine rice among bowls. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the Bang Bang turkey. Arrange the carrot-cucumber mix around the turkey.
9. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the creamy avocado-lime sauce over the turkey and rice in a zig-zag pattern. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas, sesame seeds, and extra chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Why Bang Bang Sauce Works Its Magic

The beauty of Bang Bang sauce lies in its balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while the sriracha delivers a fiery kick. Honey adds sweetness to temper the heat, and soy sauce contributes umami and saltiness. Rice vinegar provides a subtle tang, and sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. This combination creates a sauce that’s incredibly addictive and perfectly complements the savory ground turkey.

Tips for the Perfect Avocado Lime Drizzle

Achieving the perfect avocado lime drizzle is all about texture. Using a ripe avocado is crucial – it should yield to gentle pressure. Blending with a little water helps create a smooth, pourable consistency. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the lime juice to your preference; some avocados are more subtle in flavor than others. For a brighter green color, add a handful of spinach while blending!

Spice Level Customization

This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and add more to taste. For those who love a serious kick, feel free to use up to 3 tablespoons or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away!

Make-Ahead Components

To save time, you can prepare several components of this recipe in advance. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The avocado lime drizzle is best made fresh, but can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. The rice can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have jasmine rice? Basmati or long-grain white rice will work well. Ground chicken or pork can be substituted for the turkey. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. Feel free to add other vegetables to the topping mix, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free.

How long will the leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado lime drizzle may brown slightly, but it will still be safe to eat.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Enjoy Your Flavorful Bowls!

These Bang Bang Ground Turkey Rice Bowls are a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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