Turkey Teriyaki Bowls: A Flavorful and Healthy Dish

If you’re craving a delicious and balanced meal that’s quick to prepare, Turkey Teriyaki Bowls are the perfect option! This dish features seasoned ground turkey sautéed with crisp vegetables and drizzled with a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki glaze. It’s served on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice and topped with fresh cucumber, shredded carrots, cabbage, and spicy mayo for an extra kick. These bowls are not only packed with flavor, but also offer a healthy dose of lean protein and fresh vegetables.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these Turkey Teriyaki Bowls, provide advanced tips for making them even better, share storage and reheating suggestions, and suggest some substitutions for dietary preferences. Plus, we’ve included answers to frequently asked questions to ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time.

For more delicious Asian-inspired recipes, check out this Chicken Teriyaki or these Asian Lettuce Wraps.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey Teriyaki Bowls: Delicious, Healthy, and Easy

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Turkey Teriyaki Bowls are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring ground turkey cooked in a savory homemade teriyaki glaze. Served over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice with fresh veggies like cucumber, shredded carrots, and cabbage, this dish is topped with toasted sesame seeds and spicy mayo for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey:

1.5 pounds ground turkey
1 red pepper, diced

For the Teriyaki Glaze:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons cold water

For the Bowls:

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup spicy mayo (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Cook the Jasmine Rice:
In a medium saucepan, cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Ground Turkey:
In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced red pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
Add the Teriyaki Sauce:
Once the turkey is cooked, pour the prepared teriyaki glaze over the turkey and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked jasmine rice into bowls.
Top each bowl with the teriyaki turkey mixture.
Add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and shredded cabbage to each bowl for a fresh crunch.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the bowls and drizzle with spicy mayo.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Spicy Mayo: If you want to make your own spicy mayo, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference).
Vegetable Variations: You can swap or add other vegetables like avocado, edamame, or bell peppers to customize the bowls.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Turkey Teriyaki Bowls

Instructions:

Prepare the Jasmine Rice: Cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this requires 1 cup of rice and 1 1/2 cups of water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.
Make the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Assemble the Bowls: To assemble the bowls, start by spooning a portion of the cooked jasmine rice into each bowl. Top with the ground turkey mixture, followed by the sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and shredded cabbage. Drizzle with the teriyaki glaze and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a dollop of spicy mayo.
Serve: Serve your Turkey Teriyaki Bowls immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds if desired.

Advanced Techniques

Take your Turkey Teriyaki Bowls to the next level with these advanced techniques:

1. Homemade Teriyaki Glaze Variations

Experiment with your teriyaki glaze by adding a dash of toasted sesame oil for extra depth or a few tablespoons of pineapple juice for a fruity twist. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey with Aromatics

For an extra layer of flavor, sauté minced onion, garlic, and ginger with the ground turkey. This will infuse the turkey with a deeper, aromatic base that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki glaze.

3. Make the Rice More Flavorful

Add flavor to the rice by cooking it in chicken broth or coconut milk instead of water. This adds richness and an extra layer of flavor that complements the teriyaki perfectly.

4. Grill the Vegetables

For a smoky, charred flavor, try grilling the red bell peppers or other vegetables before adding them to the bowl. Grilled veggies bring a new texture and depth of flavor to the dish.

5. Customize the Toppings

Get creative with your toppings by adding sliced avocado, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, or pickled vegetables for extra zing. You could also add a boiled egg for extra protein.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have leftovers or want to prepare these bowls in advance, here’s how to store and reheat your Turkey Teriyaki Bowls:

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the turkey mixture and rice to cool to room temperature before transferring them into separate airtight containers. The turkey and rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the teriyaki glaze and toppings (cucumber, shredded carrots, etc.) in separate containers to prevent them from getting soggy.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the ground turkey mixture and rice for up to 2 months. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave the turkey and rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add the teriyaki glaze after reheating to maintain its consistency.
Stovetop: Reheat the turkey mixture and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Make Turkey Teriyaki Bowls work for your dietary needs with these substitutions:

Gluten-Free Version:

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, which is brewed without wheat. Ensure that all other ingredients (like the cornstarch) are also gluten-free.

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. You can also replace the honey and brown sugar in the teriyaki glaze with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

Dairy-Free Version:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to spicy mayo, try making your own using vegan mayo and sriracha.

Vegetarian Version:

Replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. Be sure to cook the tofu or tempeh to get a crispy texture before adding the teriyaki sauce.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be very similar, and the cooking time will be the same.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the turkey mixture and cook the rice ahead of time. Assemble the bowls and add the fresh toppings when you’re ready to serve. The teriyaki glaze can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I use a different vegetable?

Absolutely! You can use any of your favorite vegetables in place of or in addition to the cucumber, carrots, and cabbage. Try adding bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas for extra texture and color.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Turkey Teriyaki Bowls are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. The savory ground turkey combined with the sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze, fresh vegetables, and rice make for a balanced and satisfying dish. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences and create a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a casual gathering, these bowls will be a hit! So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this vibrant and tasty dish that’s bursting with flavors you’ll love.