Do Share Recipe

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe | Savory, Sweet & Easy

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how this Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe would turn out the first time I tried it. But as soon as I tasted the mix of sweet, savory teriyaki sauce with tender ground turkey and crunchy veggies over fluffy rice, I was hooked. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is actually healthy.

I love making this on busy weeknights because it’s quick, comforting, and packs in plenty of nutrients. Everyone in my family loves it—even the kids sneak extra veggies in their bowls without realizing it. If you enjoy turkey dishes, you might also enjoy Thai Turkey Meatballs for a fun twist.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. I’ve included a few tips for choosing the best ingredients.

1 lb ground turkey – I like lean turkey for a healthier option; it cooks up juicy without being greasy.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth; I prefer yellow onions for cooking.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punchy flavor that jarred garlic just can’t match.
1 cup finely chopped broccoli – Using fresh broccoli keeps it crunchy; blanch lightly to maintain color.
1 medium carrot, grated – Grating the carrot helps it blend in with the meat, perfect for picky eaters.
1/4 cup soy sauce – Go low-sodium if you want to control saltiness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the savory flavors; I sometimes substitute coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – Just a small drizzle adds a nutty aroma.
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water – Helps thicken the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
2 cups cooked white or brown rice – Brown rice gives a nuttier flavor, white rice keeps it classic.
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish – These add a little crunch and fresh flavor to finish.

Note: Serves 4 generously.

Variations

This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to adjust it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

Dairy-free: This recipe is already dairy-free!
Sugar-free: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or reduce the amount slightly.
Veggie add-ins: Bell peppers, bok choy, zucchini, or water chestnuts all work beautifully.
Protein swaps: You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu. You could also pair this dish with something creamy like Tartiflette Savoyarde with Reblochon Cheese for a hearty side.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or sauté pan – For cooking turkey and veggies evenly.
Medium bowl – To mix the cornstarch slurry for the sauce.
Grater – To grate carrots quickly and finely.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables.
Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.

How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, adding the chopped onion, and cooking until softened. Then I add the ground turkey and garlic, stirring frequently until the turkey is fully cooked and slightly browned. This forms the flavorful base of the dish.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Next, I mix in the finely chopped broccoli and grated carrot. I like to sauté them just until tender but still a little crisp, which keeps the dish vibrant and full of texture. This sneaky method also helps get kids to eat their veggies without noticing them.

Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

While the turkey cooks, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Then I pour the sauce over the turkey and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. I let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls

Finally, I scoop a generous portion of rice into each bowl and top it with the teriyaki turkey mixture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions makes it look as good as it tastes. The colors pop, and the aroma is irresistible.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make this dish even more delicious:

I always cook the rice before starting the turkey to save time.
Grating the carrots finely blends them seamlessly into the dish.
A splash of extra sesame oil at the end enhances the flavor immensely.
Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness; I sometimes cut it in half for a lighter sauce.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay slightly crunchy for texture contrast.

How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

I love serving this dish straight in bowls with rice at the bottom. Here are some tips for making it visually appealing:

Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for color and texture.
Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a small cucumber salad for freshness.
Use a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
Arrange the veggies neatly on top for a restaurant-style presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 28g – The ground turkey is a lean, high-protein option.
Carbohydrates: 38g – Mostly from the rice and veggies.
Fat: 10g – Mainly from the sesame oil and turkey fat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. If the rice has dried out, I sprinkle a little water over it to keep it fluffy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this teriyaki turkey rice bowl has become a go-to meal in my house:

Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-friendly: Finely chopped veggies hide in plain sight, so picky eaters get their nutrients.
Customizable: Swap veggies, proteins, or adjust sweetness to suit your taste.
Healthy: Lean protein and plenty of vegetables make it a nutritious option.
Flavorful: Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes every bite satisfying and comforting.

This recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and versatile enough to satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of lean turkey, crisp veggies, and a perfectly sweet teriyaki glaze over rice makes it irresistible.

Ben Carraoli